LAS VEGAS — UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has injured his right hand in training, forcing the postponement of his Dec. 6 title defence against Vitor Belfort.
The UFC 181 card will now be headlined by welterweight champion Johny Hendricks’ rematch with Robbie Lawler, the mixed martial arts promotion announced Monday.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch UFC 178 prelims Saturday on Sportsnet 360 starting at 8 p.m. EST
UFC 181 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defends his title against Gilbert Melendez on the same card.
Weidman (12-0) has won two title defences since taking the belt from Anderson Silva in July 2013. The UFC says his defence against Belfort (24-10) will be in February.
Hendricks (16-2) has been recovering from a torn biceps muscle since defending his title in an entertaining unanimous decision over Lawler (24-10) in March.