Rafael dos Anjos (30-13-0) is waiting for a new main event opponent at next week’s UFC on ESPN+ 41.
News broke late Sunday night that dos Anjos’s original opponent Islam Makhachev (18-1-0), has pulled out because of an injury. It’s possible that recently signed former Bellator fighter Michael Chandler could replace Makhachev, but the UFC has not confirmed anything yet.
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.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 8, 2020
Makhachev revealed on Monday morning via Instagram that it was a staph infection during his weight cut that forced him to pull out.
Dos Anjos is returning to lightweight since November 2016. He is 4-4-0 at welterweight. This was the second attempt by the UFC to put these two together. A positive Dos Anjos COVID test postponed the fight at UFC 254.
I wish @MAKHACHEVMMA a speed recovery. Looking for a new partner to dance. Looks like @MikeChandlerMMA is ready to go. Your move!
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) November 9, 2020
The UFC is expected to announce a replacement fighter for dos Anjos with another fighter or postpone the fight.
