Shogun Rua drops off UFC 161 in Winnipeg, will fight later this summer

WINNIPEG – The UFC 161 card has taken another hit with news that the co-main event featuring former light-heavyweight champion Mauricio (Shogun) Rua is off.

Rua (pronounced Hoo-ar) was left without an opponent when fellow Brazilian Antonio Rogerio Nogueira pulled out through injury.

There were reports that Chael Sonnen would step up as a replacement but the UFC announced late Monday that the fight was off.

The card, the UFC’s first visit to Winnipeg, is slated for June 15 at MTS Centre.

The main event featuring interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao and Eddie Wineland fell apart several weeks ago when Barao injured his foot.

The new main event features light-heavyweights Dan Henderson and Rashad Evans. UFC 161 will feature 11 fights.

The bout between Canadian light-heavyweight Ryan (Big Deal) Jimmo and Igor (The Duke) Pokrajac has been moved to the main card.

The UFC said Rua will fight later this summer

Injuries have already forced Isaac Vallie-Flagg and T.J. Waldburger off the Winnipeg card.

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