Phil Hawes vs. Nassourdine Imavov off UFC Fight Island 7 event

An anticipated clash between Phil Hawes and Nassourdine Imavov might have to wait a week.

The middleweight clash has been removed from the UFC Fight Island 7 card, MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck confirmed from sources.

RT Sport was the first to break fight’s removal from the card.

ESPN reported Hawes was removed from the card because of non-COVID medical issues and the fight might be moved to UFC 257 next week. MMA Fighting’s Heck confirmed this news as well.

Hawes (9-2) and Imavov (9-2) were expected to headline the prelim portion of the event and both were coming off wins.

UFC Fight Island 7 will move on with 10 fights. Max Holloway will face Calvin Kattar in the main event.