Report - Rafael dos Anjos Out Of UFC 267 Clash With Islam Makhachev Due To Injury

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari - Zuffa LLC

Former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos is reportedly out of a third attempted pairing with the surging grappling specialist, Islam Makhachev at UFC 267 on October 30. -- following a recent surgical arthroscopy procedure to address a meniscus injury in his knee. 

The former undisputed lightweight champion was scheduled to meet with Makhachev at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE on October 30. -- following a pair of failed prior matchups between the two at UFC 254 last October before a headlining bout at the UFC Apex facility in November was also shelved.

This evening, Makhachev took to social media where he explained how he could not believe dos Anjos had suffered another injury, calling the Brazilian a "chicken".

In response, former champion, dos Anjos described the injury he suffered as "terrible" -- asking Makhachev if he believes he would mock-up an injury claim.

With the pairing appearing in jeopardy once again, Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Makhachev confirmed to MMA Junkie reporter, John Morgan that his former client, dos Anjos was, in fact, already out of the running to meet with Makhachev in October.

Whilst a short-notice replacement opponent has yet to be acquired to face Makhachev, Abdelaziz has claimed that most preferred potential opponents to meet with his client is former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson -- or recent feature, Dan Hooker who managed to lodge an impressive unanimous decision win over Nasrat Haqparast on Saturday at UFC 266.

Successfully returning to the lightweight limit against Paul Felder back in November after a staph infection prevented Makhachev from making the main event tilt, dos Anjos lodged an impressive split decision win over the course of five rounds.

Headlining for the first time in his Octagon tenure back in July at UFC Vegas 31, Makhachkala native, Makhachev stopped American Top Team submission ace, Thiago Moises with a dominant fourth round rear-naked choke -- extending his undefeated run to eight straight fights as well as clinching the #5 ranked at lightweight.