LAS VEGAS, Nevada- A broken foot has caused Rafael dos Anjos to withdraw from next week’s UFC 196 main event fight against Conor McGregor for the Lightweight Championship. It was a huge fight that had the entire sports world buzzing.
Thus far no replacement has been named but several names are currently being thrown around. Frankie Edgar has been asking for a shot at 145 against McGregor for quite some time and this may be his chance if he is willing to fight on short notice.
A rematch for the 145 belt with Jose Aldo would be a huge money maker as was the original, however the chance of Aldo taking a fight on short notice are slim to none. There is more of a chance of that happening at UFC 200 in Dallas.
McGregor, the current featherweight champion, was on the verge of history, as he was hoping to become the first fighter in the promotion’s history to hold two belts at the same. If anyone could do it, it was him as he has been as close to unstoppable as possible since his entrance into the UFC.
As mentioned by me yesterday, in regards to Donald Cerrone, this may be his chance to step into a big fight as well at 170 with McGregor. I would not be shocked to see that occur.
If no replacement for Rafeal dos Anjos is named, the UFC will scratch the main event and promote the Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate for the UFC women’s bantamweight title which is currently the co-main event for the March 5 card to the main event.
Only time will tell what happens next for the UFC and which way they will take this. One thing is for sure, this bout being called off is a major blow for the UFC and sports bars everywhere that had been hyping a big night!
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