The UFC announced on Friday that Demian Maia has stepped in to replace Vitor Belfort in his fight with middleweight champ Anderson Silva at UFC 112.

Belfort withdrew from the bout after undergoing sugery on his left shoulder.

“It’s always tough when a top fighter like Vitor Belfort has to pull out of a big title fight, but we have found a high quality replacement,” said UFC President Dana White. “Top contender Chael Sonnen was not available due to injuries sustained in his fight with Nate Marquardt, so top six middleweight Demian Maia will step in to fight for the title.

Maia is an Abu Dhabi grappling champion, a five-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, and he is 12-1 in MMA and coming off a win over Dan Miller at UFC 109. Anderson Silva vs Demian Maia will be a matchup between MMA’s best striker and MMA’s best grappler.”

UFC 112 takes place on April 10 at the Ferrari World in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. In addition to the Silva vs. Maia headlining fight, the card features lightweight champ BJ Penn vs. Frankie Edgar in the co-main event, and Matt Hughes vs. Renzo Gracie.

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2. Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort to Take Place at UFC 108 in January
3. Silva's Manager Fires Back At Sonnen
4. Anderson Silva Not Retiring Anytime Soon
5. Filho Believes Belfort Will Defeat Silva