TORONTO -- The injury bug continues to hit UFC 155.
Middleweight Karlos Vemola has dropped out of his bout against Chris (The Crippler) Leben after fracturing a cheekbone in training. The London-based Czech will be replaced by Derek Brunson.
"Words can't express how excited I am. Thank you Jesus!!! Time to show up," tweeted Brunson.
Brunson (9-2) had been headed to Season 17 of "The Ultimate Fighter" but reportedly was blocked from appearing on the reality TV show by Showtime, which held his Strikeforce contract,.
Other fighters to drop off the Dec. 29 card in Las Vegas include Gray Maynard, Chris Weidman and former light-heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin.
Griffin was originally slated to meet Chael Sonnen but Sonnen was pulled to coach season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter" against Jon Jones.
Heavyweight Matt Mitrione was shifted from the card to face Roy (Big Country) Nelson at the recent finale to Season 16 of "The Ultimate Fighter" after Shane Carwin suffered a knee injury. Mitrione was knocked out.
