With Norman Parke out of UFC 180 with a knee injury, Diego Sanchez will now face Joe Lauzon at the pay-per-view card in Mexico City on Nov. 15, UFC president Dana White announced on Friday.
Sanchez (25-7), who returned to the win column with a controversial decision over Ross Pearson in June, looks to win back-to-back fights for the first time since 2011. Prior to his recent victory, the first The Ultimate Fighter winner suffered decision losses to Gilbert Melendez and Myles Jury.
Lauzon (24-9), who recently surpassed Anderson Silva with the most post-fight bonuses in the history of the promotion, goes for his third win in a row after defeating over Michael Chiesa and Mac Danzig.
UFC 180 takes place at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico on Nov. 15. UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez headlines the card against No. 1 contender Fabricio Werdum. Here’s the current fight card for Mexico City.
Cain Velasquez vs. FabrÃcio Werdum
Jake Ellenberger vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Dennis Bermudez vs. Ricardo Lamas
Erik Perez vs. Marcus Brimage
Diego Sanchez vs. Joe Lauzon
Jessica Eye vs. Leslie Smith
Edgar Garcia vs. Hector Urbina