Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos on Thursday announced he’s tested positive for COVID-19 and won’t be able to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 254.
In a statement posted to Instagram, the ex-champ wrote he caught the virus “big time” after relocating to his native Brazil to train with the famed Nova Uniao team. The bout was the final on his current contract with the UFC.
With approximately two weeks remaining until the Oct. 24 event, it’s unclear whether Makhachev will receive a new opponent. The UFC and Makhachev’s rep didn’t immediately return a request for comment.