Woodley punching Zach Light

Former Strikeforce Contender Replacing Erick Silva

By FCF Staff

Tyron Woodley is the latest Strikeforce vet that is headed to the Octagon, as the UFC has announced that the highly regarded welterweight will replace the injured Erick Silva versus Jay Hieron on February 2nd. The bout will be part of UFC 156, which will be hosted by the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

No information regarding the nature of Silva’s injury was provided.

Woodley (10-1) hasn’t fought since last July, when he was knocked out by UFC vet Nate Marquardt, in a fight that was for the vacant Strikeforce title. Prior to the loss the accomplished wrestler and American Top Team fighter had won eight straight with Strikeforce.

Hieron (23-6) recently returned to the Octagon and lost by unanimous decision to Jake Ellenberger at UFC on FX 5 in October. Hieron’s only other defeat in his last ten fights came against Bellator welterweight champ Ben Askren.

UFC 156 will feature a featherweight bout between champion Jose Aldo and former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar.