Rafael dos Anjos has reportedly been forced to pull out of next week’s much-anticipated bout with Conor McGregor.
The MMA fighter suffered a foot injury in training, deeming him unfit for the fight – but reports are now suggesting that it is uncertain whether the UFC will find a replacement opponent for Conor McGregor in time.
The Crumlin native’s coach John Kavanagh posted tweeted a sad face just moment after the news broke.
🙁
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) February 23, 2016
The fight was set to take place on March 5 in the usual MGM Grand Garden Arena.
This is the second time Conor has been left without an opponent with just weeks to spare after Jose Aldo pulled out of their first planned bout last summer, with Chad Mendes stepping in just two weeks before the fight took place.
The news about Rafael pulling out of the big fight has since been confirmed by MMA writer Jim Edwards.
The journalist also suggest that Rafael could be replaced by Nick Diaz or Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone.
Confirmed. Dos Anjos out injured 🙁 #UFC196
— Jim Edwards (@MMA_Jim) February 23, 2016
Viable replacement as far as I’m aware are Diaz or Cerrone.
I know what I want …#DiazFor196
— Jim Edwards (@MMA_Jim) February 23, 2016
We’re sure plenty of Irish fans who have booked flights to Vegas are crossing their fingers for a replacement to be confirmed!