• UFC 156

Injured Erick Silva pulled from UFC 156

Brett Okamoto
January 3, 2013
Erick Silva is facing a spell on the sidelines due to injury © Getty Images
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Former Strikeforce welterweight Tyron Woodley is set to make his Octagon debut against Jay Hieron at UFC 156 on February 2 in Las Vegas. An undisclosed injury has forced Hieron's original opponent, Erick Silva, off the card. UFC officials announced the switch on Wednesday.

Woodley (10-1) is coming off the first loss of his career, a fourth-round TKO to Strikeforce welterweight champion Nate Marquardt. The former collegiate wrestler has posted notable decision wins over Tarec Saffiedine and Paul Daley.

He will face another fighter looking for his first UFC win in Hieron (23-6). The veteran mixed martial artist is 0-3 all-time in the Octagon. His latest loss came via unanimous decision against Jake Ellenberger in October.

Silva (14-3) misses an opportunitiy to rebound from an October loss to Jon Fitch at UFC 153. The Brazilian is considered one of the brightest prospects at 170 pounds, with two first-round knockout victories in four UFC fights - and he is our one to watch for 2012.

A featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar is scheduled to headline the UFC 156 event, which takes place at The Mandalay Bay Events Center.

This article first appeared on ESPN.com

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