George Sotiropoulos is going to have to wait a little bit longer to try and get back in the win column. The Australian fighter has been forced out of his bout with Takanori Gomi at UFC 144, but the UFC has a found a suitable replacement. MMA Weekly has it:

An injury has forced former Ultimate Fighter competitor George Sotiropoulos out of UFC 144 in Japan. Eiji Mitsuoka steps in to take his place to face Takanori Gomi.

Like Gomi, Mitsuoka has competed in Pride and Sengoku in the past, and it's actually a bit surprising that they never met in Sengoku. Mitsuoka (18-7-1) is currently on a two-fight winning streak, and holds wins over the likes of Joachim Hansen and Gleison Tibau. Gomi (32-8, 1 NC) has lost three of his four UFC bouts so far, and looked particularly unimpressive in his first round submission loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 135. He desperately needs a win to keep his job with the organization.

The bout will take place on the undercard of the event, currently scheduled for February 25th in the Saitama Super Arena. The main event will see UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar defending his title against former WEC lightweight champion Ben Henderson.

SBN coverage of UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson