A previously announced lightweight bout between Rustam Khabilov and Rafael dos Anjos has been removed from UFC 170 and scrapped entirely.

UFC President Dana White tweeted the news yesterday evening, stating that Khabilov
would be unable to compete against dos Anjos at the UFC 170 event later this month.

Rafael dos Anjos (20-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) will now meet surging contender Khabib Nurmagomedov (21-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) at April’s UFC on FOX 11 event.

“The Eagle” is a perfect 21-0 thus far in his MMA career, including a 5-0 record since joining the ranks of the UFC. Nurmagomedov was last seen in action at UFC 165 in Toronto, where he earned an impressive decision victory over veteran Pat Healy.

Meanwhile, Rafael dos Anjos has put together an impressive win streak of his own. Ever since a split-decision loss to Gleison Tibau at 2011’s UFC 139 event, Rafael has been on a tear. He currently boasts a five-fight win streak, which includes victories over Kamal Shalorus, Anthony Njokuani, Mark Bocek, Evan Dunham and most recently Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

UFC on FOX 11 is set for April 19 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The event is headlined by a heavyweight #1 contenders match between Fabricio Werdum and Travis Browne.

The main card will air live on FOX, following the prelims which show on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Who do you have winning this key lightweight bout? Let’s hear it Penn Nation!

By Chris Taylor