Islam Makhachev Calls For UFC 254 Pairings With Michael Chandler, Charles Oliveira, or Dan Hooker

Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam - USA TODAY Sports

With former UFC lightweight titleholder, Rafael dos Anjos forced off UFC 254 after a positive COVID-19 test, slated opponent, Islam Makhachev has sights on a new opponent - or three, already.

Rio de Janeiro native, dos Anjos was scheduled to make his first appearance at 155-pounds since his 2016 defeat to former interim champion, Tony Ferguson - after a three-year stint at welterweight. Following a return to his native Brazil to ply his trade at the established Nova União facility - dos Anjos revealed he had come down with a bad case of the novel coronavirus, with doctor's suggesting his withdrawal from the October 24th. date.

With the promotion planning on replacing dos Anjos with another opponent for Makhachev on short-notice, the streaking Dagestani has taken matchmaking into his own hands - issuing open invitations to recent signing, former three-time Bellator lightweight gold holder, Michael Chandler, City Kickboxing ace, Dan Hooker, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout, Charles Oliveira.

In a series of tweets from his official Twitter account, the six-fight surging Makhachev first called for Chandler, who is set to serve as a backup for the lightweight title unification headliner between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje.

"RDA is out yo @MikeChandlerMMA here's yout chance to jump on the island #UFC254"

RDA is out 😑 yo @MikeChandlerMMA here’s your chance to jump on the Island #UFC254

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 9, 2020

If a matchup with Chandler doesn't materialise for the October 24th. event - Makhachev has called for grappling maestro, Oliveira whom he was briefly linked with prior to his booking with compatriot, dos Anjos.

"Or @CharlesDoBronxs"

    Or @CharlesDoBronxs 🤔

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 9, 2020

With Kiwi striking ace, Hooker dropping a high-profile UFC Fight Night Vegas main event opposite former interim best, Dustin Poirier in June - Makachev offered him a return to competition on 'Fight Island' as well.

"Bulsh*t (sic) guy @danthehangman can come see me too. We don't need to sell tickets now."

Bulshit guy @danthehangman can come see me too. We don’t need to sell tickets now 😀

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 9, 2020

Hoping to crack the top-ten with a victory, the #12 ranked Makhachev has won his last six on the trot - scoring a unanimous judging over grappler, Davi Ramos at UFC 242 in September of last year, also in Abu Dhabi, UAE.