Islam Makhachev (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Islam Makhachev won’t face a top-five ranked lightweight next, but the rising fighter will battle a former champion in Rafael dos Anjos.

Following Makhachev’s submission win over Thiago Moises last month, which was his eighth straight win, there was speculation as to whether a top-ranked contender would come next. ESPN is reporting, however, that Makhachev (20-1) and dos Anjos (30-13) have agreed to fight on October 30th.

The UFC is expected to hold an event in Abu Dhabi on that date.

Dos Anjos, who is currently ranked #7 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings, hasn’t fought since November, 2020. The former champ defeated Paul Felder via split decision in that fight.

Makhachev, meanwhile, is currently ranked #5.

The lightweights have been booked to fight two times before, but both fights fell through due to medical issues.

In the aforementioned report, dos Anjos claimed that Makhachev turned down a five-round fight. Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, claims they would have accepted a five-round fight if that’s what the UFC requested. The bout is currently scheduled for three rounds.