Swanson Exits UFC Live 3, Koch Awaits New Foe

Swanson (Pictured) had won two of his past three bouts. The 28-year-old Californian last appeared at WEC 52 in November, when he eked out a split decision over Mackens Semerzier at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Koch will carry a two-fight winning streak into the event, provided UFC officials can secure a short-notice replacement for Swanson. The 22-year-old Duke Roufus protégé has not fought since he stopped Francisco Rivera on a first-round head kick and follow-up punches three months ago. A potent finisher, Koch has delivered nine of his 11 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. He suffered his only career defeat to the unbeaten and world-ranked Chad Mendes at WEC 47 in March 2010.

A key welterweight clash pitting “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 1 winner Diego Sanchez against Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts standout Martin Kampmann will headline UFC Live 3, which will air live on the Versus network. “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 finalist C.B. Dollaway will lock horns with 2001 NCAA Div. I national wrestling champion Mark Munoz in the co-main event.