Originally Posted by MMAJunkie

Mike Pyle tapped as "standby" fighter for UFC 98


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Strikeforce, WEC, Affliction and Sengoku veteran Mike Pyle (17-5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been tapped as a "standby" fighter for Saturday night's "UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida."

MMAjunkie.com (
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) learned from sources close to the event that Pyle has signed a contract with the organization and has been told to be ready to step into Saturday's event.

Additional sources have indicated the UFC may be using "Quicksand" as an insurance policy for Brazilian resident Chris Wilson (14-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in his bout with Brock Larson (25-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC).

An Xtreme Couture-trained fighter and Las Vegas resident, Pyle has also fought for the now-defunct EliteXC and IFL organizations. Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Pyle has earned 15 of his 17 career wins by submission.

Additionally, Pyle has fought to a decision just twice in his nine-and-a-half year career. The 31-year-old counts Jake Shields, Matt Horwich, Rory Markham and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson among his five career defeats.

The immediate reason for the potential concern surrounding Wilson wasn't clear.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer did confirm with MMAjunkie.com that he was "waiting for some additional medical information" from Wilson, but he insisted there was no failed drug test or reason to believe Wilson would be unable to compete at this time.

Wilson, a Team Nogueira fighter lives and trains in Brazil, and "The Professor" recently made headlines when recounting the harrowing story of surviving an armed robbery in Rio de Janeiro.

Wilson was originally slated to face Josh Koscheck at UFC 98, but the American Kickboxing Academy-trained fighter was forced to withdraw in April after suffering an injury in preparation for the contest.

While initial reports suggest Pyle has been brought in as a potential replacement for Wilson, the Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra and Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Brandon Wolff bouts will also be contested at 170 pounds.

Originally Posted by MMAMania

Mike Pyle steps to replace Chris Wilson against Brock Larson at UFC 98


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Incomplete medical paperwork has forced UFC welterweight Chris Wilson to withdraw from his UFC 98 fight against Brock Larson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 23, according to Sherdog.com.

MMA veteran Mike Pyle (17-5-1), who’s been on standby for the event since early this week, will step in to replace him.

It’s been a rough month for Wilson, who was recently the victim of a home invasion in Brazil, where he resides with his wife and children. Now a problem with medical paperwork will keep him on the shelf until he’s able to get it straightened out.

From Keith Kizer, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission:

“There was no negative finding on Chris at all. We were only requesting more detailed medical information.”

Wilson, who was originally slated to face Josh Koscheck before Kos hurt his toe, was looking to rebound from a tough split-decision loss to John Howard at UFC 94: “St. Pierre vs. Penn 2″ on Jan. 31. It was the lone bright spot on a rather uneventful card, bringing home co “Fight of the Night” honors.

Now “The Hurricane,” who’s fought just about everywhere including EliteXC, Strikeforce, Affliction and the IFL (among others), will come into this fight looking to win his fifth straight against larson.

Pyle was last seen at “Night of Combat II,” where he quickly disposed of Brian Gassaway via armbar.