Khabilov vs dos Anjos Scrapped, dos Anjos Now Meets Nurmagomedov at UFC on Fox 11

Khabilov vs dos Anjos Scrapped, dos Anjos Now Meets Nurmagomedov at UFC of Fox 11
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

A lightweight bout between highly touted Russian prospect Rustam Khabilov (17-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and high-flying Rafael dos Anjos (20-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) has been scrapped from UFC 170 later this month, with dos Anjos now meeting undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov (21-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) at UFC on FOX 11 in April.

UFC on Fox is slated for April 19th, and will take place at the Amway Center in Orlando Florida, home to the Orlando Magic, and the host of the 2012 NBA all-star game. The event’s main card airs on FOX in the US following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

In a bout which could determine the next UFC lightweight title contender, Brazilian dos Anjos looks to extend his win streak to 6 having defeated Kamel Shalorus, Anthony Njokuani, Mark Bocek, Evan Dunham, and Donal Cerrone in succession. A Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, dos Anjos has finished 8 of his opponents by way of submisison including the UKs Terry Etim at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi to earn submission of the night.

Nurmagomedov enters the bout with dos Anjos having struggle to find an opponent in recent week, with rumoured bouts against Gil Melendez and Nick Diaz failing to materialise. Unbeaten in 21 professional fights, Nurmagomedov was voted '2013 Breakthrough Fighter of the Year' by the staff at Kingdom MMA after an impressive year, which saw the former Sambo world champion pick up impressive victories over Thiago Tavares in Brazil at the start of the year. Nurmagomedov then followed that up with victories over Abel Trujillo - where he set a lightweight record for most takedowns in a single fight, and a dominating victory over Pat Healy.

With the Addition of Rafael dos Anjos vs Khabib Numagomedov, UFC on FOX 11 is as follows:

Travis Browne vs Fabricio Werdum
Liz Carmouche vs Meisha Tate
Edson Barboza vs Donald Cerrone
Rafael dos Anjos vs Khabib Numagomedov
Pat Healy vs Jorge Masvidal
Yoel Romero vs Brad Tavares