Gabriel Gonzaga Will Serve as Back-Up at UFC 153 In Case of Heavyweight Injury

Following an injury to Geronimo Dos Santos that forced him out of UFC 153, Brazilian Gabriel Gonzaga is not expected to fight at the upcoming show in his home country.

The word comes from sources close to Gonzaga’s camp that told MMAWeekly.com late Saturday that the former heavyweight title contender would be traveling to Brazil, but is not expected to compete on the card.

Instead, Gonzaga will be on stand-by as a last-minute replacement option should either heavyweight in the Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Dave Herman fight suddenly become unable to compete.

Assuming the Nogueira vs. Herman fight goes on without a hitch, Gonzaga will await word from UFC officials on when he may be able to fight again.

Despite the loss of Gonzaga’s fight, the UFC 153 fight card remains full with 12 total bouts, including six on the main pay-per-view card and four bouts headed to the FX prelims. The remaining two bouts will air on Facebook.

MMAWeekly.com will have more information on Gonzaga’s next fight when it becomes available.