It looks like Urijah Faber will have to take a rain check on his rubber match with Dominick Cruz.
The UFC bantamweight champion has been forced to withdraw from the highly anticipated championship bout scheduled for UFC 148.
MMAWeekly.com broke the news on Monday.
According to the source, Cruz was teaching his team of lightweights in the “Ultimate Fighter” on FX while also preparing for his bout with Faber at Alliance MMA.
Sources close to the situation are saying Cruz suffered an ACL injury while working with his team.
Cruz and Faber were expected to settle their ongoing rivalry in the co-main event of UFC 148 on July 7. The two served as coaches on Season 15 of the “Ultimate Fighter,” which is currently airing on FX.
The only loss on Cruz’s record came at the hands of Faber back in March 2007. Faber submitted Cruz in the first round to retain his WEC featherweight title.
After the loss, Cruz dropped to bantamweight and has been rolling ever since.
In July 2011, he avenged his loss to Faber and successfully defended his UFC bantamweight title for the first time in a bout many labeled “Fight of the Year.”
It is unknown whether or not Faber will remain on the card. If Cruz has indeed suffered a serious injury to his ACL, he could be sidelined for the rest of the year.
The UFC has three surefire top contenders at 135 pounds in Faber, Renan Barao and Michael McDonald. Depending on Cruz’s injury, the promotion could opt to crown an interim champion.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report as more news becomes available in this developing story.
Looking for some more MMA news, and perhaps a couple of laughs? Follow me on Twitter @JordyMcElroy.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com