Islam Makhachev vs Rafael dos Anjos was one of the many stellar matchups that featured on UFC 267, which takes place next month. Unfortunately, the fight between the two lightweights has once again been called off. This time around it is dos Anjos who has pulled out of the fight.
News broke out that Rafael dos Anjos is undergoing surgery that will prevent him from taking on Islam Makhachev next month. Makhachev took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the fight being canceled once again.
Do you really think I would fake a surgery? Coming out of another terrible injury. Unlike you I have a family that depends on me and I don’t have another man paying my bills. https://t.co/PDvQ2rhZsq
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) September 26, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He said, “@RdosAnjosMMA I don’t believe that you’re injured.., again #chickenfever.” The former lightweight champion had a fiery response to accusations that he is faking an injury. He said, “Do you really think I would fake a surgery? Coming out of another terrible injury. Unlike you I have a family that depends on me and I don’t have another man paying my bills.”
Read More:- ‘I’m Coming for You’- Henry Cejudo Promises to Take Alexander Volkanovski Down
Islam Makhachev is in the hunt for yet another short-notice opponent
This is the third time that the UFC has tried to make a fight between Makhachev and dos Anjos. The promotion initially matched up the two men at UFC 254 in October 2020. However, dos Anjos pulled out of the fight after testing positive for COVID-19.
The second time around, the two men were scheduled to headline a fight night card in November. Unfortunately for fight fans, it was Makhachev who pulled out the second time due to a staph infection.
With just over a month to go for UFC 267, the promotion is once again in need of a short-notice replacement for Islam Makhachev. It is reported that the options being considered by Makhachev and his team at this point in time are Dan Hooker, who just secured a unanimous decision win over Nasrat Haqparast and Tony Ferguson, who is on a three-fight skid.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the fight that makes the most sense at the moment for Makhachev would be a fight against Dariush. Beneil is currently on a seven-fight win streak and is ranked #3 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings. However, it might be difficult to get the fight done on short notice.
Watch this story:- Five Potential Opponents for Nick Diaz After His Loss Against Robbie Lawler at UFC 266
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who do you think Islam Makhachev will be matched up against? Let us know in the comments below!