Alessio Sakara injured, Costa Philippou will face Jorge Rivera at UFC 133

Injury seems to be a common story in the career of Italian striker Alessio Sakara. Just when you thought the long awaited bout with Jorge Rivera would finally go down, a monkey wrench was once again thrown into the plans for UFC 133 on August 6th in Philadelphia. The UFC announced today that Sakara has been injured and Rivera will be now facing Costa Philippou on the main card.

“The injury bug has bitten UFC 133 again, with Alessio Sakara the latest casualty. Sakara’s removal from his bout with Jorge Rivera (the third time the bout has hit the skids), has opened up a main card slot for Greek slugger Costa Philippou, who will now face “El Conquistador” on the August 6th card in Philadelphia.”

Philippou was originally supposed to face Rafael Natal on the Facebook portion of the preliminary card, but has been promoted to the main stage with his new opponent being Jorge Rivera.

Photo: Jorge Rivera celebrates victory over Rob Kimmons at UFC 104 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on October 24, 2009. Francis Specker