Edwards In, Escudero-Wiman Co-Heads UFC Fight Night 22

Yves Edwards (left): Peter Lockley | Sherdog.com

“The Ultimate Fighter 8” winner Efrain Escudero will now face Matt Wiman in the lightweight co-main event at UFC Fight Night 22 on Sept. 15 in Austin, Texas, following the withdrawal of Mac Danzig, Sherdog.com has learned.

John Gunderson was originally slated to face Escudero until Danzig was forced out of his rematch with Wiman after suffering a chest injury while training. Gunderson will now meet returning Yves Edwards in a lightweight bout that kicks off the televised card on Spike TV, according to a source close to the situation. The live event will lead in to the season premiere of “The Ultimate Fighter 12” later that evening.

Edwards was dubbed the people’s champion after defeating Josh Thomson at UFC 49, a time during which the company did not have enough card space to properly promote the lightweight division.

Woodlands, Texas, resident Edwards earned a unanimous decision over Luis Palomino at Bellator Fighting Championships 24 in August. The 33-year-old striker has won seven of his last 12 bouts since his last appearance in the Octagon against Joe Stevenson at UFC 61 in July 2006.

Update notice: This item was updated at 7:10 p.m. ET to reflect that Danzig sustained a chest injury.