Featherweight Manny Gamburyan out at UFC 128 in New Jersey

Quote :: Top featherweight contender Manny Gamburyan (11-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) will have to wait a little longer to make his return to the octagon.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) has confirmed that a back injury has forced Gamburyan out of a planned UFC 128 contest with Raphael Assuncao. The switch was first reported by MMA Fighting.

Featuring a light heavyweight title fight between champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and rising star Jon Jones, UFC 128 takes place March 19 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

Erik Koch, who was recently left without an opponent at next week's UFC on Versus 3 event, would seem a top candidate to fill the open slot, but UFC officials have yet to announce a change.

Gamburyan made his UFC debut in 2007 as a lightweight finalist on "The Ultimate Fighter 5." Gamburyan fell short in the finals after suffering an injury, though he would return with wins over Nate Mohr and Jeff Cox.

Following consecutive losses to Thiago Tavares and Rob Emerson, Gamburyan dropped to 145 pounds and moved to the recently-merged WEC. Gamburyan posted a 3-1 record in the WEC, with his lone loss coming at the hands of current UFC champion Jose Aldo.

Meanwhile, Assuncao hopes to make his UFC debut following a 3-2 stint in the WEC. He fought most recently at this past November's WEC 52 event, where he earned a decision win over L.C. Davis.

For the latest on UFC 128, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

seems like the injury bug is commin a back