Report: Blaydes-Daukaus tabbed as new main event for UFC Columbus

A heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes and Chris Daukaus is set to be the new main event of the UFC Columbus card on March 26, sources told MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn and Nolan King.

The event was in need of a new headliner after Jan Blachowicz was forced to withdraw from his fight against Aleksandar Rakic due to an injury.

Blaydes was last in action in September, defeating Jairzinho Rozenstruik by decision at UFC 266. He's won five of his last six bouts, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Derrick Lewis on a UFC Fight Night card in February 2021.

Meanwhile, Daukaus was on the receiving end of a Lewis knockout during his last appearance in December. The defeat was Daukaus' first UFC loss after winning his first four fights in the promotion.

A flyweight match between Kai Kara-France and Askar Askarov is also set for the UFC Columbus card.