UFC 280 Loses Magomed Mustafaev-Yamato Nishikawa Lightweight Bout

An intriguing lightweight showdown between Magomed Mustafaev and Yamato Nishikawa will not be happening at UFC 280 as originally planned.

The Las Vegas-based promotion confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday, citing “multiple issues” in a statement. It was initially rumored that the bout was scrapped because Nishikawa was still under contract with another organization, but the Japanese fighter denied those reports.

Order UFC 280 "Oliveira vs. Makhachev" exclusively on ESPN+

UFC 280 will move forward with 13 bouts. The card takes place on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and is headlined by a lightweight title clash between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. The main card airs on pay-per-view via ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, while prelims are broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT.

Mustafaev hasn’t competed since February 2020, when he dropped a split decision to Brad Riddell at UFC Fight Night 168. The 34-year-old Russian is 3-2 in the UFC and 14-3 as a professional overall.

The 19-year-old Nishikawa has already acquired a large amount of experience at a young age, compiling a 21-3-6 professional mark since making his debut in 2016. The Shooto veteran has won his last 14 fights.