There’s been a major switch-up for next week’s UFC Vegas 48, with its main event shifting to UFC 272.
On Friday, Cageside Press confirmed that the previously planned main event between Rafael dos Anjos and Rafael Fiziev was off the UFC Vegas 48 card. Promoted to the main event slot on February 19 is the light heavyweight match-up between Johnny Walker and Jamahal Hill.
RDA vs. Fiziev, meanwhile, moves to UFC 272 in March. Although the original hope was to see Nate Diaz vs. Dustin Poirier slotted in as the co-main event, contract negotiations with the Diaz camp appear to have stalled. In the meantime, dos Anjos vs. Fiziev will serve as the new UFC 272 co-main event. The bout is expected to remain a five-round affair.
Ariel Helwani was first to report news of the fights shifting, citing a visa delay on the part of Fiziev.
dos Anjos (30-13) has not competed since his win over Paul Felder at UFC Vegas 14 in November of 2020. The bout marked his return to the lightweight division, after the former champ dropped back-to-back fights to end his run at 170lbs.
Fiziev (11-1) has been a lightweight on the rise in RDA’s absence. He’s won five straight bouts, securing post-fight bonuses in his last four. The Kyrgyzstani fighter, who trains out of Thailand, most recently defeated Brad Riddell in December.
Johnny Walker (18-6) will be looking to get back in the win column atop UFC Vegas 48, meanwhile. Opponent Jamahal Hill (9-1, 1NC) will try to build off a win over Jimmy Crute in his last outing.
