Heavyweight, Cheick Kongo, may have to step down from his proposed UFC 116 bout with Roy Nelson. Citing a back injury suffered during his last fight against Paul Buentello, Kongo hasn’t been able to begin training for the event scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 3.

Although nothing has been confirmed, rumor has it that Kongo may require surgery.

“I have to be able to start my preparation – the thing I haven’t done yet. I am still injured. I don’t think it would happen at UFC 116. Maybe later but not then. I didn’t get any word from the UFC [on Nelson]. I have my manager Anthony who’s working on that and as of today, I’m just actively recovering and nothing else.”

Assuming Kongo does bow out of the Nelson fight, the UFC will have to seek a replacement. Perhaps another go around with former champion, Frank Mir, will suffice. Nelson defeated Mir during a Grappler’s Quest tournament back in 2003. If not Mir, Gabriel Gonzaga could fill the void.

Source: (MMA Mania)