Lauren Murphy has a new opponent for UFC 254.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Cynthia Calvillo has been forced to withdraw from her 125-pound matchup with Murphy and newcomer Liliya Shakirova will step in on a little over a week’s notice for the UFC’s next PPV event in Abu Dhabi.
ESPN broke the news and reported Calvillo tested positive for COVID-19.
Shakirova (8-1) makes her octagon debut riding a three-fight winning streak. The Uzbekistan native, who has spent most of her career competing in Russia and China, will compete for the first time in 2020.