UFC Fight Island has suffered some setbacks as recent reports detail two fighters withdrawing from their respective fights. Per RTSportsNews head editor Denis Geyko, fighters Umar Nurmagomedov, and Tagir Ulanbekov have canceled their departure to Abu Dhabi. The news comes as a result of the recent demise of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap.

The aforementioned fighters are teammates of the 155-pound undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Not to mention it is unclear whether they will go ahead and make their debut in the promotion. The news comes as no surprise considering the manner in which the Russian team operates.

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov had been a mentor, trainer, and coach to everyone in his son’s immediate circle. The impact of his demise will prove to have long-lasting effects on multiple fighters in the camp. Not to mention a camp moving to Yas Island will have to take into account many different factors as is.

The lightweight champion himself was in full-fledged training at the time of his father’s long term battle. An anticipated title unification fight speculated for September will unlikely come to fruition.

UFC Fight Island: Know the fighters

Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo are the headlining act for the card Tagir Ulanbekov was placed on. The 10-1 fighter was set to make his promotional debut coming off two consecutive finishes at Gorilla Fighting Championship.

Umar Nurmagomedov had an interesting match-up against surging star Nathaniel Wood lined up for July 25. The undefeated fighter from Dagestan has shown supreme dominance throughout his young professional career so far. A victory over Wood would have served to be a perfect entry point for the Bantamweight prospect.

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Coupled with the recent deductions to UFC Fight Island, recent reports confirm the UFC 251 on July 11 will also be setback. The challenger Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of his scheduled bout. Neither fighter boarded the plane to Abu Dhabi thus finalizing the demise of the anticipated main-event for UFC 251.

MMA fans around the world will be holding their breath in the hopes that no more bouts face any disruption for Fight Island.

Also Read: UFC 251 Main Event Cancelled as Gilbert Burns and Cornerman Test Positive for Coronavirus