Diego Sanchez vs. Joe Lauzon Booked for UFC 180 in Mexico, After Norman Parke Withdraws Due to Injury


(“Superb matchmaking.” — This guy / Photos via Getty, USA Today Sports)

Due to an MCL injury, UFC lightweight Norman Parke has withdrawn from his scheduled matchup against Diego Sanchez at UFC 180: Velasquez vs. Werdum, November 15th in Mexico City. Dana White has confirmed that Joe Lauzon will come in to fight Sanchez as Parke’s replacement.

Sanchez vs. Lauzon is a potential barnburner, featuring two of the most frequently-bloody fighters on the UFC roster, both of whom are coming off victories. Sanchez most recently squeaked out a split-decision against Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night 42 in June, while Lauzon earned a cut-stoppage TKO win against Michael Chiesa last month at UFC Fight Night 50.

Fun fact: After Parke’s injury was announced, featherweight star Conor McGregor tried to lie his way to a fight against Sanchez. But it turns out that the UFC has even bigger plans for McGregor, who is likely next in line for a featherweight title shot.


(“Superb matchmaking.” — This guy / Photos via Getty, USA Today Sports)

Due to an MCL injury, UFC lightweight Norman Parke has withdrawn from his scheduled matchup against Diego Sanchez at UFC 180: Velasquez vs. Werdum, November 15th in Mexico City. Dana White has confirmed that Joe Lauzon will come in to fight Sanchez as Parke’s replacement.

Sanchez vs. Lauzon is a potential barnburner, featuring two of the most frequently-bloody fighters on the UFC roster, both of whom are coming off victories. Sanchez most recently squeaked out a split-decision against Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night 42 in June, while Lauzon earned a cut-stoppage TKO win against Michael Chiesa last month at UFC Fight Night 50.

Fun fact: After Parke’s injury was announced, featherweight star Conor McGregor tried to lie his way to a fight against Sanchez. But it turns out that the UFC has even bigger plans for McGregor, who is likely next in line for a featherweight title shot.