Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos is in search of a new opponent.
On Saturday, dos Anjos was supposed to face Rafael Fiziev in the pay-per-view co-main event of UFC 272. T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. But the fight has been scratched from the card due to Fiziev testing positive for COVID-19. Ariel Helwani first reported the news on The MMA Hour . Since then, both fighters have confirmed that it was true.
Fiziev released a short statement on Twitter after news broke of the bout’s cancellation. He also fired back at dos Anjos.
I am devastated to say that I have decided not to fight. 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 3 days I’m in hotel bed with fever, bones pain and cough.
— Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) February 28, 2022
I called RDA out and I want to fight again when my health allows me. 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
The lightweight bout originally was set to take place as the main event of UFC Vegas 48. However, the bout was postponed to UFC 272 after Fiziev encountered issues with acquiring a visa.
There are no details yet about a replacement opponent for dos Anjos. However, the UFC’s former lightweight champion stated on he doesn’t want to “throw away a fight camp” but would take on “anybody” that the UFC could find.
Dos Anjos most recently appeared in the octagon in November 2020, when he outpointed Paul Felder via split decision in his return to 155 pounds after a stint at welterweight.
Fiziev has a winning streak of five fights that also includes Brad Riddell’s wheel-kick knockout.
