Mairbek Taisumov Forced Out of Evan Dunham Fight Due to Visa Issues

One of the UFC lightweight division’s brightest prospects will have to keep waiting for his next big step up the 155 ladder. Mairbek Taisumov has been dealing with visa issues for a while now but the UFC felt comfortable enough to book him for a fight in America regardless. Well…they should have waited.

Taisumov’s opponent for the big April 7th, UFC 223 card in Brooklyn, New York, Evan Dunham announced today on Twitter that Taisumov couldn’t get everything squared away and that the fight will not be happening.

My fight is off with @Taisumov155 due to visa issues. New fight accouncement soon. Time to pivot and adjust but no worries I will be ready.

— Evan Dunham (@evandunham155) March 9, 2018

My fight is off with @Taisumov155 due to visa issues. New fight accouncement soon. Time to pivot and adjust but no worries I will be ready

The #15 ranked, Dunham was also looking for a big fight like his would-be opponent, Taisumov, therefore, the UFC planned to have them meet in the middle when no one else would. Prior to the matchup getting announced, Taisumov knew he had to be patient but was also confident that his Visa issues would get be taken care of so he could go on with his career.

“Right now, the UFC lawyers are working on it,” Taisumov told MMAFighting. “I feel it will all be done very soon. All I can do is wait. It’s probably going to be a few more weeks, but from what I’ve heard I will finally get my visa. The process is ongoing, like I said the UFC lawyers are working on it, but they are very confident that everything will be okay.”

With the streaking Taisumov matchup put on hold, Dunham now finds himself set to encounter another top lightweight prospect in the 15-2 Canadian, Olivier Aubin-Mercier.

Thanks to @oliaubin for taking this fight. I will see you in the middle. #ufc223

— Evan Dunham (@evandunham155) March 9, 2018

Thanks to @oliaubin for taking this fight. I will see you in the middle. #ufc223

OAM also just recently lost an opponent as he was supposed to face Gilbert Burns at UFC on Fox 28 on February 24 after Burns was unable to make weight.

What do you think of this new matchup? Do you want to see Taisumov face the winner?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/9/2018