UFC 159 Co-Main Event Features Michael Bisping vs. Alan Belcher

Two men than were both zeroing in on a shot at UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will now instead face each other in the co-main event of UFC 159 on April 27 in New Jersey.

Michael Bisping and Alan Belcher will both look to repair the damage done by recent losses when they square off at UFC 159. UFC officials confirmed the fight first reported by ESPN on Wednesday.

Bisping (23-5) was stung the worst by his loss to Vitor Belfort in the main event of UFC on FX 7 earlier this month. His career has been centered on the UFC title, and he had been guaranteed the next shot at Silva had he won.

One stunning head kick later and Bisping was on the mat and out of title contention.

Belcher (18-7) was nearing that same position, returning from injury with a masterful performance against Rousimar Palhares. That victory put him on a four-fight winning streak and one or two wins away from the coveted shot at the belt.

Yushin Okami put a halt to Belcher’s streak, closing out Belcher’s 2012 with a loss at UFC 155.

Both men are now in rebuild mode, so a win in this fight will be crucial to either one getting back in the title mix any time over the next year or two.

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones headlines UFC 159, putting his belt on the line against fellow Ultimate Fighter 17 coach Chael Sonnen.

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