Tag: Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has opened up about his withdrawal from his main event fight against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14 this coming weekend. Brett Okamoto of ESPN broke news of the unfortunate fight withdrawal on social media yesterday, he wrote.

“Breaking: Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) out of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event, per sources. UFC looking for a short-notice replacement to face Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) on Saturday.”

This is the second time a fight between Makhachev and Dos Anjos has been scrapped. The pair were previously scheduled to fight on the undercard of UFC 254.

Unfortunately, the former lightweight champion tested positive for COVID-19 and the fight was pushed back.

Makhachev took to social media to explain why he withdrew from the main event match-up with Dos Anjos.

“The only thing that calms down is that we cannot get away from what has been prescribed,” Makhachev wrote in Russian on Instagram. “A lot of time and effort was spent on this fight, I was in peak shape, but as soon as I started to lose weight and the immune system began to weaken, I caught an infection that would incapacitate me for at least a month in this camp, our team had already encountered this infection more than once and many had to cancel your fights.

This year was difficult for my career, a lot of fights were canceled but I promise you I will go to the end to this belt no matter what it costs me Inshaalah” (Via Google Translate)

The UFC are currently searching for a late notice replacement opponent to face ‘RDA’ on Saturday night. Dos Anjos took to Twitter late last night to call for former Bellator champion Michael Chandler to step up and take the fight, he wrote.

“I wish @MAKHACHEVMMA a speed recovery. Looking for a new partner to dance. Looks like @MikeChandlerMMA is ready to go. Your move!”

Who do you think should replace Islam Makhachev at UFC Vegas 14?

The UFC Vegas 14 main event has taken a huge blow as Islam Makhachev will no longer be competing.

Makhachev was set to take on former champion Rafael dos Anjos in the main event. However, as per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, that is no longer the case anymore. The reason is undisclosed but it is likely to be an injury for the Dagestan native.

The only consolation is that the UFC is currently looking for a short-notice replacement.

“Breaking: Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) out of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night main event, per sources. UFC looking for a short-notice replacement to face Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) on Saturday.”

It marks the second time the fight will be canceled after their matchup at UFC 254 last month was called off after Dos Anjos tested positive for COVID-19.

Given that the card was already weak as a whole, it should be interesting to see who the Las Vegas-based promotion can land as a short-notice replacement to face Dos Anjos.

Perhaps it would be ideal for new UFC signing Michael Chandler to make his debut?

“I wish @MAKHACHEVMMA a speed recovery. Looking for a new partner to dance. Looks like @MikeChandlerMMA is ready to go. Your move!” Dos Anjos tweeted soon after.

What do you make of the news and who do you think should step in on short notice to face RDA?