Chris Weidman, Middleweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has sustained an injury that has sidelined him from his upcoming title fight with Vitor Belfort in UFC 181.

Belfort was first to relay the news via Facebook, saying that Weidman had broken his hand, and that their fight will be rescheduled for February 2015.

Like Us on Facebook

The UFC subsequently released their won report, shedding more detail on the champion's injury.

Weidman had broken his hand. Ray Longo, head coach of Weidman, stated that the injury had been there since his fight with Lyoto Machida.

He had sprained ligaments in his left hand and could not use it in the days leading up the fight. A doctor informed Weidman that he had fractured the hand and that it was an old injury. Longo believed that it was a misdiagnosis.

Weidman's left hand will be in a cast for four weeks. Ideally, he could be training in no less than six weeks.

Longo adds that they will get Weidman healthy to "steamroll" Belfort soon.

The main event for the card on December 6 in Las Vegas will be replaced by a rematch for the welterweight championship between Johny Hendricks and Robbie "Ruthless" Lawler.

Hendricks and Lawler previously fought a five-round war that had the potential to be fight of the year.

Hendricks came out with the victory. However, after Lawler had two impressive fights against Jake Ellenberger and Matt Brown, he earned his rematch against the champion.

They are supported with the title fight for the lightweight championship in a bout between Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez.

Heavyweights Travis Browne and Brendan Schaub collide, while Todd Duffee makes his UFC return against Anthony Hamilton.

TagsChris Weidman, UFC, Vitor Belfort, Johny Hendricks, Robbie Lawler, Ray Longo, UFC 181