Unfortunately for local fans, Michael Bisping won't be able to compete in the main event of UFC Fight Night 30 in his hometown of Manchester on October 26th. He was scheduled to meet Mark Munoz, but a lingering eye injury required surgery and the local star was forced off the card. He has been replaced by former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida so the local fans are still getting a good fight, but Bisping felt he had to apologize to fans in an interview with Gareth Davies of The Telegraph:

"I am devastated for everyone who bought tickets to see me fight Munoz. I am so sorry for the fans, I really am. I am disappointed for myself too, but my first thoughts are with the fans who have made sacrifices to come and see me in Manchester," said Bisping. "I can only apologise to them, and to the UFC. I have been training so hard for this fight, that I just cannot believe I will not step into the Octagon in Manchester. But I promise my fans I will be back real soon." "It will still be a great night for the UFC fight fans as Lyoto Machida will take my place. So go to the Phones4U Arena and still have a great time."

I didn't know that they re-named it the Phones4U Arena recently, but I'm sure it'll be back to something less corporate soon. Or not.