Brazilian lightweight Michel Prazeres was slated to face Islam Makhachev at UFC Fight Night 115 next month, but that is no longer going to happen. With Makhachev unable to compete and removed from the bout, Prazeres will now take on debuting Dane Mads Burnell instead, according to an MMAJunkie.com report on Saturday evening. UFC officials subsequently confirmed the report.
No explanation was given for Makhachev's removal.
Prazeres is one of the best contenders at lightweight as he’s quickly ascending the rankings ladder. “Trator” has won his last four bouts, with his latest triumph coming via first-round north-south choke of longtime veteran Joshua Burkman at UFC Fight Night 106 in March.