Visa problems aren’t just plaguing UFC Fight Night in Florida.
Rustam Khabilov is out of his fight against Danny Castillo at UFC on FOX 16 on July 25 in Chicago due to visa issues coming in from Dagestan, the UFC announced Monday. Jim Miller will step in and face Castillo in Khabilov’s place.
Miller (24-6, 1 NC) has lost two straight and is coming off a defeat against Beneil Dariush at UFC on FOX 15 in April. Before the current losing streak, the New Jersey native was undefeated in four straight bouts. Miller, 31, has been considered one of the best lightweights in the world over the last five years or so.
Castillo (17-8) has lost two in a row and three of his last four. In his last bout, the Team Alpha Male product fell to Paul Felder via second-round knockout at UFC 182 in January. Castillo, 35, has compiled a very solid 12-7 record between WEC and the UFC.
Meanwhile, Khabilov (17-3) has not fought since a split decision loss to Adrian Martins in February. He has lost two straight, also falling to Benson Henderson in June 2014. Khabilov, 28, owns wins over Jorge Masvidal and Yancy Medeiros.
UFC on FOX 16 is headlined by a bantamweight title fight between champion T.J. Dillashaw and Renan Barao. In the co-main event, Miesha Tate will meet Jessica Eye in what is likely a women’s bantamweight title eliminator.