Without Rafael dos Anjos, Islam Makhachev challenges Charles do Bronx, Chandler and Hooker for UFC 254

I. Makhachev (right) challenges fighters to the UFC 254. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

On Thursday (09), Rafael dos Anjos informed that he contracted Covid-19 and, as a result, had to withdraw from the fight against Islam makhachev, valid by UFC 254. However, the Russian does not want to wait for the Brazilian to recover but rather remains at the event that will be held on October 24th, in Abu Dhabi.

Upon learning that the fight was over, the partner Khabib Nurmagomedov used social media to challenge the top lightweights (70,3kg), including Michael chandler, Charles of the Bronx e Dan Hooker.

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“Dos Anjos is out. Hey, Chandler, here's your chance to act on Fight Island. You too, Charles of the Bronx. Silly Hooker might come see me. We don't need to sell tickets now. I've never seen a “fighter” be as scared publicly as Hooker was. No one in the world believes that you dare fight me. Relax,” Makhachev posted on Twitter.

In addition to the Russian, Ali Abdelaziz, the fighter's manager, also took action and, respectfully, aimed even higher: Tony Ferguson.

“What’s up, Tony? The closest you'll be to Khabib is fighting Makhachev now that Dos Anjos is out. Would you like to take up the fight? Thank you,” Ali posted on Twitter.

Islam makhachev he is in 12th position in the lightweight ranking and the four athletes mentioned by him and his manager do not yet have opponents. The only one that has a defined position is Michael chandler, who is the immediate reserve of the duel worth the category belt, between the champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and the challenger, Justin gaethje.