Said Nurmagomedov loses UFC 308 opponent

FILE–Said Nurmagomedov of Russia looks on after defeating Cody Stamann in their bantamweight fight during the UFC 270 event at Honda Center on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images/AFP 

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