Agonising news as UFC 223 loses Mairbek Taisumov

Mairbek Taisumov just can't catch a break.

After racking up five consecutive knockouts inside the Octagon, Mairbek Taisumov was finally granted what he so desperately wanted. Following his finish of Felipe Silva in Rotterdam, he made it clear that a ranked opponent was required for his next trip to the Octagon. He asked for Michael Chiesa or Anthony Pettis, who are fighting each other at UFC 223. Nate Diaz was also in his sights, but god only knows if and when he will return. Eddie Alvarez and Donald Cerrone also received call-outs to no avail. Then finally, a ranked opponent accepted the call. https://twitter.com/ufc/status/904043824602685440

It's all over

Taisumov got his top 15 dance partner in the form of Evan Dunham. The number 14 ranked lightweight is undefeated in five consecutive fights in a run that includes fighters such as Joe Lauzon and Rick Glenn. His last outing was a majority draw against Beneil Dariush at UFC 216. Unfortunately, we won't get to see Taisumov vs Dunham in Brooklyn. A pesky problem that has plagued Taisumov's career has reared its ugly head again. He announced on social media on Friday that his visa application to fight in the USA is taking longer than expected. As a result, he will not be making the walk at UFC 223. However, he is looking to book another bout on UFC 224 in Rio. https://www.instagram.com/p/BgGy9HyAMFR/?taken-by=taisumov155 Dunham seems to be taking the news well. Tristar grappling standout Olivier Aubin-Mercier has offered to step in on short notice. Dunham was quick to verbally accept the bout on social media. Although Aubin-Mercier isn't quite riding the same hype train as Tasiumov, this fight would make sense. The Canadian has won three fights on the bounce, although lacks a win over a fighter of Dunham's calibre. https://twitter.com/evandunham155/status/972160635893989376 Please, MMA gods, let this be the only Russian withdrawal from this stacked event.