"Horror" flew into "Steel City" -- just four weeks removed from the biggest win of his budding career over Thiago Alves at UFC 130 -- to take on Nate Marquardt in the UFC on Versus 4 main event, which will take place at the CONSOL Energy Arena.
It was his big break, filling in for an injured Anthony Johnson in a high-profile showdown. It was also a chance to score back-to-back wins over two established former number one contenders.
Instead, he now has to fight the lesser-known, albeit very game, Charlie Brenneman in the co main event of the evening after Nate Marquardt imploded prior to the official weigh in ... on 24 hours notice.
It's certainly not the "Story"-book continuation of his Cinderella run through the welterweight division, but it's better than nothing at all for the Brave Legion-trained fighter.
Story could challenge Charlie Sheen right now for the king of winning, riding a huge six-fight win streak in the promotion. He has really come into his own as of late after falling short to John Hathaway in his Octagon debut two years ago.
Then he started on one of the more impressive runs in the promotion's welterweight division. His win streak currently stands at six which includes a knockout victory over Dustin Hazelett, and back-to-back unanimous decision wins over tough welterweight contenders Johny Hendricks and Thiago Alves.
He'll look to continue riding his momentum against the "Spaniard."
Brenneman was originally booked to battle T.J. Grant on this card, stepping up to replace Matt Riddle about seven sweeks ago. However, the Canadian was forced off the card late last week, leaving Brenneman in the lurch, waiting in the wings "just in case" he was needed in case of emergency.
So when UFC matchmaker Joe Silva dialed 9-1-1 last night, Brenneman answered the call.
He is fresh of a unanimous decision win over Amilcar Alves, pushing his Octagon record to 2-1 after rebounding from a beating he took at the hands of Johny Hendricks at UFC 117 back in August 2010.
This may not be that fight fans paid good money to see, but it is a showdown between two young prospects who are both eager to impress.
by Brian Hemminger
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