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The supposed UFC 254 pairing now has a new date.
Rafael dos Anjos was supposed to make his return to 155 pounds at UFC 254 against Team Khabib’s Islam Makhachev, until a positive COVID test on the former lightweight champion forced him off the matchup.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz tried to keep Makhachev in the mix by offering RDA’s spot to Tony Ferguson, along with a $200K offer. The UFC then stepped in and put the kibosh on the whole plan, while ultimately deciding to take Makhachev off the card.
Now, it’s looking like dos Anjos vs. Makhachev is getting salvaged after all. The fight is reportedly rescheduled for the November 14th event in Las Vegas.
BREAKING
Rafael Dos Anjos vs. Islam Makhachev rescheduled for November 14th in Las Vegas.
It’s unknown if this fight will be the headliner. #UFCVegas15 https://t.co/Ks7E5MBUbP pic.twitter.com/LUhlGnaIyH
— MMA DNA (@MMADNANL) October 20, 2020
Dos Anjos is currently on a two-fight losing streak. He saw action against TUF alum Michael Chiesa in January and lost by unanimous decision. Makhachev, meanwhile, is on a six-fight win streak. He last fought at UFC 242 against ADCC champion Davi Ramos and won by unanimous decision.