Dos Anjos tests positive for COVID-19, out of UFC 254 fight

Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos announced Thursday that he's out of his UFC 254 bout against Islam Makhachev on Oct. 24 after testing positive for COVID-19.

"COVID-19 caught me big time and the doctors cut me out," Dos Anjos wrote on Twitter. "But soon I will be back victorious inside the Octagon."

Dos Anjos versus Makhachev was scheduled to take place on the pay-per-view main card in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

It's unclear if the promotion will seek a new opponent to face Makhachev on short notice.

Dos Anjos was looking to snap a two-fight skid, which includes a January loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC Raleigh. The Brazilian, who held the 155-pound belt from 2015-16, is 1-4 in his past five outings.

He was scheduled to compete in the lightweight division for the first time since 2016. His past eight bouts took place at welterweight.

Makhachev, a top prospect in the 155-pound weight class, is riding a six-fight winning streak.