Lightweight Islam Makhachev was removed from his bout at UFC 233 for undisclosed reasons.
The lightweight pairing between Islam Makhachev and Francisco Trinaldo did not last too long.
Scheduled for UFC 233 in January, the bout suffered a change after the Russian fighter was removed from the card on an undisclosed reason, according to Combate’s report. However, the match did not go too long without a substitute because prospect Alexander Hernandez already accepted the challenge.
Currently on a four-fight winning streak, Islam Makhachev (16-1) is a rising prospect at lightweight. With wins over the likes of Chris Wade, Nik Lentz, Gleison Tibau and Kajan Johnson, the 27-year-old hasn’t lost since October 2015, when Adriano Martins knocked him out. It is unknown whether or not the withdrawal is related to his involvement in the UFC 229 post-fight brawl.
Veteran Francisco Trinaldo (23-6) will look for a second straight win after TKO’ing Evan Dunham in the latter’s retirement fight back in September. Before that, the TUF Brazil 1 alum dropped a unanimous decision to James Vick in February.
Alexander Hernandez (10-1) has been one of 2018’s most impressive prospects. With a knockout win over Beneil Dariush in his Octagon debut, followed up by a unanimous decision victory over Olivier Aubin-Mercier, the 26-year-old hasn’t lost in five years. His only defeat happened in June 2013, when he dropped a split decision to Jamall Emmers.
UFC 233 is set for January 26th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. A flyweight title fight between current champion Henry Cejudo and bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw is expected to headline the event.