Asian MMA: Soa Palelei Out, Andre Arlovski Vs. Tim Sylvia 4 Booked For ONE FC 5

Last month, word went out that Australian brawler Soa Palelei will be taking on former UFC Champion, Andrei Arlovski at ONE Fighting Championship's 5th event. The bout looked to be set, but a few days ago, a reliable source close to the Miletich fight camp have informed BloodyElbow.com that Tim Sylvia was expected to rematch Arlovski at their the Philippine event.

This meant that Soa Palelei must have been pulled out of the card, and today, 'the Hulk' has announced the reason for this, tweeting everyone that it all stemmed from contractual issues:

"unfortunately The Hulk will no longer face AndreiArlovski in 1FC because 1FC wont let me fight unless i sign a 5 fight deal... Thank you for all your support guys I've been in camp training hard but things happen I have a Goal and we will keep on going. #MuchLove."

Shortly after the contract dispute, the top Asian promotion have quickly found a suitable replacement, booking Arlovski's long time rival in Sylvia for a fourth bout between the two former UFC champions.

After winning seven of his last eight fights, 'The Maineiac" has made headlines recently, as he was already working towards a Zuffa return against Strikeforce Champ, Daniel Cormier. Matchmakers eventually decided to pick Frank Mir instead, and it left Sylvia looking for another opponent, and eventually signing to compete for ONE FC.

Sylvia is currently up 2-1 against his rival. Arlovski took the UFC heavyweight title with a submission victory back on 2005, while Sylvia won their last two encounters in 2006.

Check out the current ONE FC 5 fight card after the jump.

ONE Fighting Championship 5: Pride of a Nation
August 31, 2012 -- Araneta Coliseum, Philippines

- Shinya Aoki
- Bibiano Fernandes vs. Gustavo Falciroli
- Andrei Arlovski vs. Tim Sylvia
- Jens Pulver vs. Eric Kelly
- Gregor Gracie vs. Nicholas Mann
- Renato Sobral
- Eduard Folayang vs. Felipe Enomoto
- Rolles Gracie vs. Tony Bonello
- Igor Gracie vs. Jung Hwan Cha
- Phil Baroni vs. Rodrigo Ribeiro
- Kevin Belingon vs. Soo Chul Kim
- Mitch Chilson vs. Shannon Wiratchai
- Honorio Banario vs. Andrew Benibe