Islam Makhachev Withdraws from UFC Fight Night 182 Main Event vs. Rafael dos Anjos

Next weekend’s UFC Fight Night 182 card has taken a major hit, as Islam Makhachev has withdrawn from his main event clash against Rafael dos Anjos.

ESPN was first to report Makhachev’s exit, which the fighter later revealed occurred due to a staph infection. The promotion is currently seeking a replacement opponent for dos Anjos. The bout was originally supposed to take place at UFC 254 but was postponed after dos Anjos tested positive for COVID-19.

Dos Anjos suggested former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler as a replacement opponent in a Twitter post.

“I wish [Islam Makhachev] a [speedy] recovery,” dos Anjos wrote. Looking for a new partner to dance. Looks like [Michael Chandler] is ready to go. Your move!”

Makhachev is currently on a six-fight winning streak in UFC competition. The Khabib Nurmagomedov training partner last appeared at UFC 242, where he outpointed Davi Ramos in September 2019.

UFC Fight Night 182 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday and also includes a welterweight tilt pitting Abdul Razak Alhassan against Kalinn Williams. The card will stream in its entirety on ESPN+.