Michael Page out of RAF 14, Brendan Allen steps in against Alexander Shlemenko

Michael Page is out of RAF 14. The former UFC welterweight contender was scheduled to make his Real American Freestyle debut against Alexander Shlemenko on Oct. 23, but will no longer compete on the card. Brendan Allen will step in and replace the Englishman in the matchup.

Brendan Allen Replaces Michael Page at RAF 14

Page's withdrawal comes shortly after his departure from the UFC. The British fighter left the organization following his unanimous decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris earlier this month.

The match at RAF would not only be his promotional debut but also his first combat sports matchup since leaving the UFC. According to a report from MMA Fighting, a person with knowledge of RAF's plans revealed that the reason for his withdrawal is simply "timing."

Allen, meanwhile, will make his RAF debut against Shlemenko. The UFC middleweight contender is currently scheduled to headline UFC Vegas 122 against Christian Leroy Duncan, just 13 days before his wrestling appearance at RAF 14. The American has great momentum inside the Octagon, riding a three-fight winning streak.

Shlemenko was originally set to face Page in a matchup between two former Bellator standouts. The Russian held the Bellator middleweight title from 2013 to 2014 and has remained active across MMA and other combat sports since leaving the promotion. Most recently, Shlemenko submitted Nikola Dipchikov in June at ACA 204.

RAF 14 will take place on Oct. 23 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dillon Danis will headline the event, while Khamzat Chimaev and Robbie Lawler are scheduled to meet in the co-main event.