Report: Said Nurmagomedov loses UFC 308 opponent

Field Level Media|published: 10/22/2024, 1:37pm EDT

Mar 11, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Said Nurmagomedov (red gloves) fights Jonathan Martinez (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Virgin Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The UFC is looking for an opponent for Said Nurmagomedov this weekend after Daniel Santos withdrew for undisclosed reasons, per multiple reports.

It's short notice for UFC 308, scheduled for Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Nurmagomedov (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) last fought at UFC 294 in October 2023, when the Russian bantamweight defeated Muin Gafurov by submission in the first round.

Flyweight Charles Johnson (17-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) volunteered to replace Santos on social media.

"I want to do great things in this life. I like the fight. Said Nurmogamedov is great. So am I," Johnson posted Monday on X.

Brazil's Santos (11-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has not fought since June 2023.

--Field Level Media