Rafael dos Anjos’ coach releases statement on UFC 196 withdrawal

Early Tuesday morning news surfaced that UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos had been forced to withdraw from his UFC 196 lightweight title fight against Conor McGregor after breaking his foot.

While the UFC has been scrambling to find a replacement for dos Anjos with less than 2 weeks to go until fight night, Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis have already offered to step in on short notice to fight McGregor.

In the meantime, details regarding dos Anjos’ foot injury have been scarce until now. Ariel Helwani spoke to Kings MMA head coach Rafael Cordeiro to discuss the injury.

Cordeiro revealed that dos Anjos can’t put pressure on his foot for at least three weeks, but thankfully will not need surgery.

“I am devastated, because we were preparing well for this fight and we were ready.”

So far no word yet on who will the UFC has selected to step in and fight McGregor on short notice.

Stay tuned for details as they become available.