Apr 21, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ben Rothwell reacts to beating Brendan Schaub in a heavyweight bout during UFC 145 at Philips Arena. Rothwell won the bout by technical knockout in the first round. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE
Add Ben Rothwell to the long list of fighter's pulling out due to injury. MMA Fighting confirmed this afternoon that Rothwell was forced from his UFC On Fox 4 bout against Travis Browne due to an ankle injury. Browne and Rothwell were expected to highlight the event only 10 days from now on August 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Heavyweight Devin Cole is expected to take Rothwell's place against Browne. Cole has won his last two fights in Strikeforce including a decision victory over Shawn Jordan. Cole ran into legal troubles a few years ago. After being arrested on rape and sodomy charges in 2008, he plead guilty to charges of assault and sexual harassment.
This has got to be a sore blow to the undefeated Travis Browne. In his last fight, Browne quickly disposed of Chad Griggs. Browne is one of the few up-and-comers in the 265 lb division. Although he's a little old to be considered a prospect, Browne has never lost a fight and has looked impressive in most of his victories. A win over Rothwell would have put him in position to work toward a title shot. Devin Cole doesn't carry that same upside.
The bout is still expected to appear on the Fox portion of the broadcast.
Update by Tim Burke: The UFC tweeted that Mike Swick vs. DaMarques Johnson will be promoted to the main card:
Travis Browne vs Ben Rothwell is out for UFC on FOX 4 . @DaMarques_UFCvs @officialswick will move to the main card.
— UFCONFOX(@UFCONFOX) July 25, 2012
Update 2 by Tim Burke: Ariel Helwani has confirmed on twitter that the Browne/Cole fight wasn't signed, and that Browne is likely off the card.
Travis "Hapa" Browne (13-0-1)
W Chad Griggs (Submission) UFC 145
W Rob Broughton (Decision) UFC 135
W Stefan Struve (KO) UFC 130
Devin Cole (20-9)
W Gabriel Salinas-Jordan (Decision) Strikeforce: Melendes Vs. Masviddal
W Shawn Jordan (Decision) Strikeforce: Challengers 17
L Daniel Cormier (Decision) Strikeforce: Challengers 13
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