UFC Vegas 33 has taken another hit, as the card has lost heavyweights Shamil Abdurakhimov and Chris Daukaus.
First reported by TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, Abdurakhimov withdrew from the bout just days from the fight. No details have been disclosed at this time.
Per sources, Chris Daukaus and Shamil Abdurakhimov has been removed from Saturday’s card and will be rescheduled to an upcoming card TBD.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) July 27, 2021
This comes hours after Sam Alvey announced that his bout against Roman Kopylov was cancelled as well. According to MMA Fighting, Kopylov was unable to obtain a visa to enter the United States. Alvey is expected to fight in August but no opponent has been announced as of yet.
Abdurakhimov had originally been set to fake Daukaus at UFC Vegas 31 but had the fight postponed due to COVID protocols. The heavyweight has not fought since UFC 242 where he lost to Curtis Blaydes via TKO. Abdurakhimov has had to deal with multiple cancellations including fights against Cyril Gane and Augusto Sakai.
Daukaus is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak most recently defeating Alexey Oleynik in February.
UFC Vegas 33 will now feature 13 bouts at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. The main event is still set as Uriah Hall will take on Sean Strickland.
