UFC middleweight contender Costa Philippou will fight Tim Boetsch at...

UFC middleweight contender Costa Philippou will fight Tim Boetsch at UFC 155 on December 29th. He's replacing Serra-Longo teammate Chris Weidman, who separated his shoulder last month and had to pull out of the fight. Videojournalist: Mario Gonzalez (Dec. 11, 2012)

Here's the first video from our sit-down with Costa Philippou, UFC middleweight from Queens (by way of Long Island by way of Cyprus).

In this video, filmed at Serra BJJ in Levittown, Philippou talks about he found out he'd be replacing Serra-Longo teammate Chris Weidman at UFC 155 and what it means to his career to be fighting Tim Boetsch on Dec. 29.

More MMA

Newsday LogoSUBSCRIBEUnlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 5 months
ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME