Vemola out, Derek Brunson in vs Leben at UFC 155

[BionicCommando]

Per MMAJunkie:

Four-time Strikeforce veteran Derek Brunson (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is making his way to the UFC.

USA TODAY Sports today learned that Brunson has verbally agreed to replace an injured Karlos Vemola (9-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC) and now meets Chris Leben (22-8 MMA, 12-7 UFC) on the pay-per-view-opening first bout of next week's UFC 155 event.

UFC executives have yet to officially announce the switch, but verbal agreements are in place and bout agreements are expected to be finalized shortly.

http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/...rikeforce-vet-derek-brunson-meets-chris-leben


Much improved fight. I know Brunson got iced vs Jacare but he still has a lot of promise and I thought he beat Kendall Grove.

 

[beefcake180]

Good for Derek after not getting his shot on TUF, hope he gets the win.

 

[wellsdj1]

Business as usual in the UFC!

 

[Evangelion]

I wonder if this means Strikeforce fighters are now able to make the transition?

Showtime wouldn't let Brunson fight on tuf. So something must of changed.

 

[TFanatic]

Vemola dodged a bullet.

 

[kingcillo24]

Derek Brunson is a good dude and has promise. I do not like Leben because he beat Akiyama.

 

[Augustus Caesar]

Good for Derek after not getting his shot on TUF, hope he gets the win.

I agree, I'm glad the UFC is giving him a chance!

 

[FrankMirFan89]

Man, another blow to UFC 155. Sucks.

 

[jagerbomber84]

Damn, wish they would have done Leben vs. Cote since Sakara just pulled out of that bout

 

[jagerbomber84]

scratch that last post, too soon for cote to get back in there

 

[thebaconator]

decent replacement

 

[RSmith47]

Damn, wish they would have done Leben vs. Cote since Sakara just pulled out of that bout

They've already fought before.

 

[Evangelion]

Man, another blow to UFC 155. Sucks.

lol Vemola sucks. I love that people even complain when an injury replacement makes a card better.

 

[PAPERCLIP30]

Leben by ko.



Can't wait till cards stop changing.

 

[jagerbomber84]

They've already fought before.

yeah like 7 or 8 years ago..I wouldn't mind seeing them throw down again.


but I did say scratch it as I had a brain fart and realized Cote just fought.

 

[BJJscion]

Now Vemola can take his time off to drop to welterweight! :icon_lol:

Seriously though, Leben by KO.

 

[m0353]

Big step-up for Brunson, Grove, Souza and now Leben

 

[FightOrDie007]

Hopefully Leben starches him. Brunson could UD 30-27 though.

 

[Cosmic Cthulhu]

lol Vemola sucks. I love that people even complain when an injury replacement makes a card better.

Vemola might not be at the top of the division, but he doesn't "suck". He's an entertaining fighter and I was looking forward to seeing him fight Leben.

 

[under_t]

I'm surprised UFC picked him up.
He isn't UFC caliber.