World Extreme Cagefighting bantamweight champion Miguel Torres (Pictures) awaits a new opponent for his first title defense.

Tabbed as Torres' first challenger, Manny Tapia (Pictures) has been forced to withdraw from the June 1 bout in Sacramento, Calif., the WEC announced on its Web site late Monday. Tapia (10-0-1) was given the shot after taking a split decision over Antonio Banuelos (Pictures) in February.

Sources close to the Millenia Jiu-Jitsu trained Tapia tell Sherdog.com the fighter strained the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee before the bout with Banuelos. Roughly three weeks ago he aggravated the joint while preparing for Torres (32-1). With his right knee swollen due in part to a medial meniscal tear, Tapia is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery in the coming week.

Currently the WEC is searching for a replacement to ensure Torres will fight on the Versus-televised card, which is headlined by a featherweight title bout between champion Urijah Faber (Pictures) and challenger Jens Pulver (Pictures).