Wessel gets his shot; replaces Burch at UFC 92 against Hardonk

By Jeff Larsen

Heavyweight Mark Burch (10-2-0) has pulled out of UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008. The reason for the withdrawal has not yet been reported. The heavyweight was set to take on Antoni Hardonk (7-4) at the December 27th event.

8-1 heavyweight prospect Mike “the Juggernaut” Wessel is signed to replace the Bodog Fight veteran at UFC 92 on the 27th of December. Wessel, the 6’0” 255 former strength and conditioning coach for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, fights out of Westside Kickboxing & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym in Little Rock, home to TUF season 8 fighter Roli Delgado and was featured last month in an InsideFighting Heart & Soul of MMA profile.

Wessel is a former professional football player who has fought in the Art of War and Extreme Fighting League promotions. The heavy hitter is on a seven fight win streak, with his most recent win being a first round submission victory over Aaron Winterie, which avenged Wessel’s only loss.

Wessel tells InsideFighting he met UFC matchmaker Joe Silva this past weekend while in Las Vegas to corner Delgado on the TUF Finale card. He obviously made a lasting impression as his manager Matt Hamilton was then told to get the fighters medicals in order earlier this week.

UFC.com had Mike Wessel listed as fighting Hardonk in its UFC 92 Event listing earlier this afternoon.

“Hardonk is a tough dude,” says Wessel of his new opponent. “He can really battle through some stuff. He’s a good striker. Has some good BJJ. I love to stand-up and I love to brawl so it should be one hell of a fight.”