Joe Riggs (22-6) was set to take on Matt “The Law” Lindland (14-3) on August 20 at the MGM Grand, but is now sidelined with a spine injury he suffered in training. Getting the call to take his place on short notice is Joe Doerksen (31-6)

Riggs’ last UFC experience was less than pleasant for him as Ivan Salaverry ended his 8 fight win streak with a triangle choke. But this could have been the break he was looking for by facing the current #1 contender in a very talent rich division. The same man that handed Ivan Salavery one of his few losses back at UFC 39.  With an already impressive record, a win over Lindland would have landed him near the top of the division.

For Joe Doerksen this will be his 3rd foray into the Octagon. Coincidentally, Joe Riggs was his first bout in the organization and his first loss there was well. He bounced back against a lighter Patrick Cote, besting him with a choke, despite taking a beating until the sudden victory. Doerksen has had success against fell Team Quest fighters in the past with wins over Chris Leben, Art Santore, and Ed Hermen. Matt Lindland will be the 4th Team Quest he has faced and this time he will be the underdog.

Matt lindland has made an entire career out of competing in the Octagon and will be a tough test for Doerksen. Lindland last bested another wizard on the ground, BJJ black belt, Travis Lutter, by actually turning the tables and beating the man at his own game with a choke, but Doerksens’s manager Monte Cox tells MMARR,  "Joe [Doerksen] has done really well taking fights on short notice, so this is not unusual for him. I think he’ll be ready for Lindland and it will be a very competitive fight." The fight will take place on August 20th in Las Vegas Nevada.