With rising Icelandic prospect Gunnar Nelson injured, Rick Story will now be headlining the UFC 160 preliminary card against Mike Pyle in May, the UFC announced on Tuesday.
Nelson tweeted on Wednesday he will need to withdraw from the match up due to an injury that will require surgery, though he didn’t specify on the ailment.
“Really sorry 2 be out UFC 160. Will have surgery, heal fast and be ready for action later this summer! Thx for all the great support. @ufc,” he wrote.
Nelson is 2-0 inside the Octagon and the grappling ace boasts an undefeated 11-0-1 record overall.
His replacement, Story, has gone 2-1 in his past three fights, losing only to top 5 contender Demian Maia.
After his most recent win over Quinn Mulhern at UFC 158 last month, Story made it clear he wanted a rematch with Jake Ellenberger, another hot welterweight prospect whom he defeated on the regional scene in June 2008.
While that campaign came up short, Story faces a very tough opponent in Pyle, who has won six of his past seven bouts.
His only loss since January 2010 (which was coincidentally against Ellenberger) came against Tristar gym standout Rory MacDonald.
Additionally, Pyle went a perfect 3-0 under the UFC banner in 2012, scoring each victory via (technical) knockout.