UFC 133 in Philly is official

As the

Daily News

reported in late April, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is returning to Philadelphia with UFC 133 on Aug. 6 at the Wells Fargo Center.

The pay-per-view event was formally announced yesterday by the Las Vegas-based organization.

The main event will feature Rashad Evans (15-1-1 MMA record) against UFC rising power Phil Davis (9-0 MMA). Davis, a former Penn State wrestler from Harrisburg, is coming off a win over fight legend Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at the last UFC Fight Night (March 26). Davis was added after light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (13-1 UFC) damaged a ligament in his right hand, forcing cancellation of his first title defense.

In addition, former middleweight champion Rich Franklin (28-6, 1 NC) will face Nogueira (19-5) in a light heavyweight bout, and former UFC world champion Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort (19-9) faces Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-3, 2 NC) at 185.

More matches will be announced as the event gets closer. The undercard begins at 7 p.m. in the arena, with the pay-per-view telecast to begin at 9.

"The last time we were in Philly, the fans were incredible so we are excited to head back there with a card that features three former world champions," UFC president Dana White said.

"Phil is undefeated at 9-0 and has never been more motivated for a fight, and he wants to prove that he belongs atop the light heavyweight division. Rashad is on fire. He wants his title back so badly he can taste it, but he knows before he can get his title shot he has to get through Phil. He wants to win and he wants to win impressively. This is a great fight."

UFC was last in Philadelphia on Aug. 8, 2009. Tickets for UFC 133 go on sale June 10.