Two top contender bouts have been officially announced for UFC on FOX 2 on January 28, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Chael Sonnen takes on Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz at middleweight. Former champ “Suga” Rashad Evans faces Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis in light heavyweight action.

UFC officials confirmed both matchups on Saturday. Sonnen looks to get a second shot at UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva, but must first get past Munoz, who has won seven of his past eight. Evans and Davis face off to determine the next challenger for the 205-pound title.

Sonnen (26-11-1) came within two minutes of capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship from Silva when the two first met at UFC 117 last August, but fell victim to a fifth-round triangle armbar. He was later suspended for elevated testosterone levels and did not return to action until this October, where he submitted Brian Stann. Sonnen now faces a fellow powerhouse wrestler in Munoz (12-2-0), who has won four straight and is coming off of big wins over Demian Maia and Chris Leben. With Silva out until summer due to injury, the winner of Sonnen and Munoz will challenge for the belt upon his return.

Evans (16-1-1) and Davis (9-0-0) were originally set to face off in the main event of UFC 133 in October, but Davis suffered a knee injury and was forced to withdraw. Evans rematched fellow former champion Tito Ortiz instead and stopped the veteran late in the second round. Evans has won three straight fights since losing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Lyoto Machida in May 2009. Davis will make his first appearance inside the Octagon since a March decision victory over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and ring rust could play a factor. Both Evans and Davis possess strong wrestling backgrounds. The victor will get a shot at the winner of the UFC 140 bout between Machida and champion Jon Jones.

UFC on FOX 2 takes place on January 28, 2012 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

(Photo Credit: Sherdog.com)