Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting is reporting that UFC Heavyweight Matt Mitrione will be stepping in to replace the injured Shane Carwin against Roy Nelson in the TUF 16 Finale on December 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada:
When contacted by MMAFighting.com, both Mitrione, as well as Nelson’s camp declined to comment on the pending fight. According to sources, though, both fighters have verbally agreed to meet next month.
Nelson (17-7, 4-3 UFC) kiboshed Dave Herman at UFC 146 via knock out. The winner of the 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter, Nelson has been coaching the 16th season opposite Carwin.
Mitrione (5-1 all in the UFC) had been slated to face Phil De Fries at UFC 155 on Dec. 29. The former NFL lineman and cast mate of Nelson on TUF 10 last fought at UFC 139 in October 2011 where he dropped a unanimous decision loss to Cheick Kongo.