MMA fans around the world have received disappointing news this evening, with just a week to go until UFC 223. The showdown between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov has been the most anticipated fight of 2018, but it looks like it won’t be going ahead, yet again.
Report are emerging tonight that Ferguson has suffered an injury and is ruled out of the bout.
Tony Ferguson is out of UFC 223, sources say. He suffered an injury days ago.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 1, 2018
The frontrunner to replace Ferguson vs Khabib is Max Holloway. Not finalized yet but close.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 1, 2018
This is not an April Fool’s joke. I would never do that. This is 100% real. Ferguson-Nurmagomedov is off again.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 1, 2018
This comes as a major setback to the promotion, who now face an uphill task in finding a replacement for the fight.
There is still a title fight on the card, as Rose Namajunas puts her strawweight strap on the line in a rematch with Joanna Jędrzejczyk.
It’s sure to be an interesting few days ahead as we await a replacement opponent for Khabib, or indeed an alternative fight.
**Update: Max Holloway will step in to fight Khabib.
BOOM!!!!!! We got Khabib vs The Champ Max Holloway for the 155lb title this Saturday in Brooklyn New York!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/quvI3UqGXh
— danawhite (@danawhite) April 1, 2018
Khabib also took to social media, wishing Ferguson well.
The Russian also earlier hinted that perhaps Conor McGregor was in the mix to step in.
Where are you now? @TheNotoriousMMA
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 1, 2018
Khabib vs Holloway. It’s on!
Read More About: 223, conor mcgregor, khabib nurmagomdov, mma, news, tony ferguson, Top Story, UFC
