Fiziev tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC 272 bout vs. Dos Anjos
The fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev is off once again.
Fiziev tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of Saturday's UFC 272 co-main event in Las Vegas, his manager told MMA reporter Ariel Helwani on Monday.
Dos Anjos wants to remain on the card, and the UFC is seeking a new opponent, sources told ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Islam Makhachev, who defeated Bobby Green in the main event of Saturday's Fight Night, tweeted he's willing to take the fight at 170 pounds. Dos Anjos is waiting for the UFC to offer the bout, according to MMA reporter Ariel Helwani. Dos Anjos and Makhachev have been booked to fight each other three times in the past, but the fights fell apart due to injuries and COVID-19.
Dos Anjos and Fiziev were originally scheduled to meet in a UFC Fight Night main event on Feb. 19, but the promotion moved the bout to March 5 because of a delay in securing Fiziev's visa.
Fiziev flew to the United States on Thursday and woke up Saturday with a fever and body aches, Helwani added.
I’m devastated to announce that I’m out of the 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
Dos Anjos, a former UFC lightweight champion, hasn't stepped into the Octagon since a November 2020 win over Paul Felder.
Fiziev is one of the hottest contenders at 155 pounds, most recently defeating Brad Riddell by third-round knockout in December.
UFC 272 will take place at T-Mobile Arena and feature a welterweight grudge match between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.