With Andre Muniz out, Makhmud Muradov steps in to face Andrew Sanchez at UFC 257

After four canceled fights, Makhmud Muradov will look to finally make his octagon return.

Andre Muniz has been forced out of UFC 257 and Muradov (24-6 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will step in to face Andrew Sanchez (12-5 MMA, 5-3 UFC).

A person with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Reporter Igor Lazorin was the first to report the news Wednesday. Muradov subsequently confirmed the matchup via his social media.

Muradov, a protege of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, hasn’t competed since scoring a “Performance of the Night” knockout over Trevor Smith last December at UFC on ESPN 7. The Uzbekistan-born fighter is currently riding a 13-fight winning streak.

Winner of his past three of four, The Ultimate Fighter Season 23 winner Sanchez is coming off a “Performance of the Night” knockout of Wellington Turman at UFC on ESPN+ 32 in August.

UFC 257 takes place Jan. 23 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

With the addition, the latest UFC 257 lineup includes:

• Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier
• Joanne Calderwood vs. Jessica Eye
• Amanda Ribas vs. Michelle Waterson
• Antonio Carlos Junior vs. Brad Tavares
• Nasrat Haqparast vs. Arman Tsarukyan
• Ottman Azaitar vs. Matt Frevola
• Sergey Morozov vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
• Shane Burgos vs. Hakeem Dawodu
• Marcin Prachnio vs. Khalil Rountree
• Matheus Nicolau vs. TBA
• Makhmud Muradov vs. Andrew Sanchez