The planned main event for UFC Fight Night on Aug. 29 has taken a hit.
Yair Rodriguez was forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight versus Zabit Magomedsharipov because of an ankle injury, UFC president Dana White confirmed Tuesday. Rodriguez’s manager, Abraham Kawa, also confirmed the injury to ESPN.
According to sources, the promotion hasn’t finalized a replacement opponent for Magomedsharipov. Calvin Kattar, who lost a unanimous decision to Magomedsharipov in November, has volunteered to step in on short notice, according to his manager, Tyson Chartier.
This marks the second time that a Rodriguez-Magomedsharipov fight has been canceled. The two were also scheduled to fight in 2018.
Magomedsharipov (18-1), 29, is considered one of the brightest young stars in the UFC. He is 6-0 in the UFC, with his most recent win coming against Kattar.
Rodriguez (13-2) hasn’t fought since his October win over Jeremy Stephens.
Kattar (22-4) has won two in a row since his loss to Magomedsharipov last year. He defeated Stephens in May and Dan Ige last month in Abu Dhabi.
The card will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.