For the second straight time, Tomasz Drwal has been forced to withdraw from an upcoming fight inside the Octagon because of an injury.
This time the “Polish Gorilla” — who dropped his debut with the promotion in a battle with Thiago Silva at UFC 75: “Champion vs. Champion” in September 2007 — will be unable to take on Andre Gusmao at UFC 87: “Seek and Destroy” on August 9.
No details of the injury were revealed; however, he has had previous problems with his knee.
UFC newcomer Jon Jones (6-0) was today announced as his official replacement for the 205-pound tilt. He’s a relatively new to the sport; however, that hasn’t stopped him from rattling of six straight wins — all in 2008.
Jones has been a busy man indeed. But he’ll have his hands full in Minnesota.
Gusmao (pictured on left) is an undefeated fighter who most recently competed in the International Fight League (IFL). In fact, his first round knockout win (knee) of Mike Ciesnolevicz sealed the victory for the Renzo Gracie-led New York Pitbulls at the 2007 Team Championship Final in September.
He was supposed to make his Octagon debut at UFC 81: “Breaking Point” against David Heath; however, contractual obligations with the IFL prevented him from competing in the 205-pound bout. It appears that the red tape has now been lifted.
UFC 87 takes place from at the Target Center from Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, August 9. To check out the most recent UFC 87 card click here.
14 Comments »
come on Drwal!! why do all of the exciting fighters always seem to get injured before fights?!?!
Because they over train getting ready.
How bout this: UFC 92: “Unfinished Surgeries” Everyone who backed out of fights in 2008 due to injuries fights to the death on this card! You could have a guy with a bum knee vs a guy with a broken arm, now thats a fight!
opponent doesnt make a difference because Gusmao isnt loosing this fight!
Gusmao is the real deal..I was very impressed with his strikeing.. and being a BJJ brown under Renzo..speaks alot abotu his ground game.. He is a big 205′r.. like 6′3 solid.. He would be tuff fight for all the LHW’s acrocss the board.
I expect him to make an impact in the UFC.
Just so you know, Gusmao was awarded the Black Belt on June 26th 2008. I was there to see it.
Gusmao DID lose the fight… badly.
Jon Jones is an excellent wrestler, and a scrapper to say the least. He might surprise some people.
Jon Jones knocks him out second round… Never underestimate…
Jon Jones is the best fighter kept secret. Come August 9th he’s gonna burst on the scene, and burst Gusmao into his first defeat. Get er done jonny
hold on, wait a minute? who won in ufc 87? thats right, jon bones jones. who told you he was gonna win? yea thats right, take a seat gusmao, dont ever try and throw ur hands up at the end of a fight with jon jones, cuz you knew you got ur ass handed to u. go back to your kick dancing classes
That black dude was a beast
Yeah, that black dude IS a beast, I went to high school with him. He’s a good guy too. So here’s my question for you Gusmao fans, where was he during that fight? It was like he wasn’t even there, Jon pissbeat him from start to finish.