Rafael Fiziev Withdraws from UFC 272 Co-Main Event Due to COVID-19

Rafael Fiziev has been forced to withdraw from the UFC 272 co-main event against Rafael dos Anjos after testing positive for COVID-19.

Fiziev confirmed his exit from the card following an initial report on ”The MMA Hour.” It’s currently unclear if the promotion will find a replacement opponent for dos Anjos on Saturday’s card.

“I’m devastated to announce that I’m out of the fight,” Fiziev wrote on Twitter. “I had a great camp and was ready to put on the show. I flew all the way to Vegas from Thailand just to get sick with COVID, for three days I’m in hotel bed with fever, bones pain and cough.

“I called out RDA and I still want that fight when my health will allow me to compete again. Apologies to him, but saying that I was faking it is complete nonsense. Time will put everything in place.”

I called out RDA and I still want that fight when my health will allow me to compete again. Apologies to him, but saying that I was faking it is complete nonsense. Time will put everything in place

— Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) February 28, 2022

Fiziev and dos Anjos were initially slated to square off in the UFC Fight Night 201 headliner, but visa issues for Fiziev led to the postponement of the bout.

Anchored at Tiger Muay Thai, Fiziev has won his last five bouts in UFC competition. Most recently, he scored a third-round KO victory against Brad Riddell at UFC on ESPN 31 on Dec. 4.

A former 155-pound title holder, dos Anjos made a triumphant return to lightweight in November 2020, when he took a split decision over Paul Felder at UFC Fight Night 182.

UFC 272 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday and is headlined by a five-round welterweight clash pitting Colby Covington against Jorge Masvidal.