Donald Cerrone

Richard Crunkilton has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Donnald Cerrone at WEC 41 due to an undisclosed injury, MMA Weekly is reporting.

Stepping in for Crunkilton at the June 7th event, which will take place at the Arco Arena in Sacramento and air live on Versus, is undefeated WEC newcomer James Krause.

Krause (9-0) enters the WEC with a 9-0 record compiled since late-2007 in small regional promotions. Eight of his nine victories have come by way of submission.

Cerrone (9-1) lost his first career bout to lightweight champion Jamie Varner at WEC 38 in December in controversial fashion, with a split technical decision being rendered after Cerrone hit Varner with an illegal knee midway through the final round. The winner of the bout between Cerrone and Crunkilton was likely to fight Varner when he returns to the cage, but with Crunkilton now out a win will likely earn “The Cowboy” a title rematch.

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Tags: Donald Cerrone, James Krause, richard crunkilton