Charles Oliveira needs a new opponent for UFC Rio after Rafael Fiziev was knocked off the card with an injury, MMA Fighting confirmed following a report from Octagon Update.
The UFC has yet to officially confirm the news and if Oliveira will be given a new opponent for the Oct. 11 show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fiziev (13-4) was looking for his second win in a row after defeating Ignacio Bahamondes via decision in June, his first victory since losing three in a row against Justin Gaethje (twice) and
Mateusz Gamrot.
Oliveira (35-11, 1 no contest) will headline a UFC event in Brazil for the first time since beating Kevin Lee on a Fight Night event in March 2020, the first card affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Do Bronx” lost to Ilia Topuria in his most recent bout in June, a first-round knockout that stopped him him from re-claiming the UFC lightweight championship.