Rafael Dos Anjos was all set to step inside the octagon this weekend to take on rising lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event of UFC 272. Consequently, fans were highly excited as the former lightweight champion was making his return after a lengthy layoff.
However, his return inside the octagon will most likely be delayed after news broke out that his opponent Fiziev has tested positive and won’t be able to compete on March 5th. This news comes up as a big blow to RDA as he was not aware of Fiziev’s unavailability until Ariel Helwani announced this during the MMA Hour interview.
Rafael Fiziev is out of his fight this weekend vs RDA at #UFC272 (????: @MMAFighting) pic.twitter.com/PouNiDN9s2
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 28, 2022
“Yeah, I just got a text message from his manager that he is out of the fight. He has covid. He flew to the US to acclimatize the day after he got his visa, he felt fine woke up Saturday sick as a dog. Fever, body ache got tested positive for covid. He also sent me his visa to show that the issue date was February 15th, he did not receive his passport back until February 21st. So this fight isn’t happening,” said Helwani.
Rafael Fiziev expresses his disappointment after pulling out from the Rafael Dos Anjos fight
This is not the first time that this bout was delayed as Rafael Dos Anjos vs Rafael Fiziev was scheduled to headline the UFC Vegas 48 event on February 19th. But the promotion postponed this fight to UFC 272 as Fiziev reportedly had a visa delay.
Consequently, Rafael Fiziev shared his disappointment on Twitter after being unable to compete due to covid. He also apologized to Rafael Dos Anjos and expressed his wish to fight him in the future.
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
Despite Fiziev pulling out from the fight due to covid in the last hour, RDA is ready to fight a new opponent on short notice. ESPN sports reporter Marc Raimondi revealed on Twitter that the UFC is looking for a last minute replacement for Fiziev.
Rafael Fiziev is out of the UFC 272 co-main event against Rafael dos Anjos, sources confirmed with ESPN. @arielhelwani first to report. Dos Anjos still wants to fight and the UFC is looking for a new opponent, sources said.
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) February 28, 2022
It would be interesting to see who accepts to replace Fiziev on such short notice. Do let us know in the comments section if the UFC manages to find a last-minute replacement.