Muin Gafurov has suffered a knee injury that forces him out of his scheduled bout against Abdul Hussein at UFC Abu Dhabi. The UFC is actively searching for a replacement opponent.
Reports emerged on July 7 that Muin Gafurov has been forced out of his scheduled UFC Abu Dhabi bout against Abdul Hussein due to a knee injury, with the promotion reportedly searching for a replacement opponent. The story has not been officially confirmed by the UFC.
Gafurov, known as "Tajik," is a 30-year-old bantamweight or featherweight from Tajikistan who trains out of Taj-Fighter. He carries a professional record of 20 wins and 7 losses, and has built a reputation as a well-rounded striker. He lands 3.36 significant strikes per minute at a 47 percent accuracy rate and adds a respectable 1.57 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him the tools to pressure opponents on both feet and on the mat. He fights out of the orthodox stance and stands 170 cm tall with a 173 cm reach.
Information on Abdul Hussein was not available in verified records, so details about his background and standing in the division cannot be confirmed at this stage.
Why it matters
- Gafurov's withdrawal removes an experienced 20-fight veteran from the card, leaving the UFC to find a willing short-notice replacement
- The search for a substitute opponent adds uncertainty to the Abu Dhabi event's final matchup sheet
- If no suitable replacement is found quickly, Hussein could also be pulled from the card entirely, affecting divisional momentum for both fighters
