Rafael dos Anjos’ (30-13-0) wait for a new main event opponent at UFC on ESPN+ 41 is over.
Paul Felder, who is currently a UFC broadcaster who was supposed to help call UFC on ESPN+ 41, revealed he will instead take the lightweight fight on five days notice and replace Islam Makhachev with no catchweight stipulation.
“The Irish Dragon,” 35, last fought in February, losing a split-decision to Dan Hooker at UFC on ESPN+ 26.
Well @BrendanFitzTV & @bisping you just lost your broadcast buddy for this weekend. From the booth to the octagon. Incredible. At least @felderpaul flights are already booked. ✈️ 🤷♂️ https://t.co/l6p4JJ1Ian
— Zach Candito (@ZachCandito) November 9, 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
UFC on ESPN+ 41 is scheduled for Saturday Nov. 14 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Current bouts include:
DON’TALE MAYES (7-4-0) VS. ROQUE MARTINEZ (15-6-2)
GERALDO DE FREITAS JR. (12-5-0) VS. TONY GRAVELY (19-6-0)
RANDA MARKOS (10-9-0) VS. KANAKA MURATO (11-1-0)
JOSE ALBERTO QUINONEZ (8-4-0) VS. LOUIS SMOLKA (16-7-0)
ALEX MORONO (17-6-0, 1NC) VS. RHYS MCKEE (10-3-1)
ASHLEY YODER (7-6-0) VS. MIRANDA GRANGER (7-1-0)
KAY HANSEN (7-3-0) VS. CORY MCKENNA (5-1-0)
BRENDAN ALLEN (15-3-0) VS. SEAN STRICKLAND (21-3-0)
ERYK ANDERS (13-5-0) VS. ANTONIO ARROYO (9-3-0)
JULIAN MARQUEZ (7-2-0) VS. SAPARBEK SAFAROV (9-3-0)
ABDUL RAZAK ALHASSAN (10-2-0) VS. KHAOS WILLIAMS (10-1-0)
PAUL FELDER (17-5-0) VS. RAFAEL DOS ANJOS (30-13-0)
