UFC Fight Island 8 needs a new headliner after rising sensation Khamzat Chimaev was forced to give up on a welterweight fight with Leon Edwards, MMA Fighting learned. Frontkick first reported the news.
It is not yet clear why Chimaev will not fight on January 20 and whether the promotion will keep Edwards in the main event against a different opponent. Neil Magny, who is currently scheduled to face Michael Chiesa on the same card, should serve as a reserve for the main event.
Edwards vs. Chimaev was originally scheduled for December 19 in Las Vegas, but was postponed to one of Abu Dhabi’s cards after the 170-pound Jamaica-born athlete tested positive for COVID-19.
“Rocky” Edwards (18-3) has not competed since July 2019, when he won his eighth straight win in the dominant decision over Rafael dos Anjos. Edwards, who also had a five-round bout with Tyron Woodley canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, holds victories over names like Gunnar Nelson, Donald Cerrone and Vicente Luque.
Chimaev (9-0) was named MMA Fighting Breakout Fighter of the Year after demolishing John Phillips, Rhys McKee and Gerald Meerschaert in a 66-day period.