When first hearing that the main event of UFC on Fox 19 had been scrapped due to injury, you wouldn’t be blamed for jumping to the conclusion that Khabib Nurmagomedov had withdrawn.
But it’s his opponent, not the cursed AKA lightweight, who has been forced out of action.
Tony Ferguson will be unable to compete at the the April 16 event after fluid was found in his lung.
I am out of my Fight Due to Blood/Fluid in my Lung. Usually I can Power Through These things.… https://t.co/zBcaxr4lBi
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 5, 2016
Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson was initially slated for The Ultimate Fighter 22 finale last December but the Russian pulled out with an injury.
Cheer up @TonyFergusonXT , I know how you feel now. Wish you fast recovery. #ufcTampa
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 5, 2016
He was replaced by Edson Barboza who ended up being submitted in the second round by Ferguson which pushed the win streak of ‘El Cucuy’ to seven.
That record, combined with the perfect one of Nurmagomedov, made the rescheduled bout all but a title eliminator for Rafael dos Anjos’ lightweight strap.
But we will have to wait to see it as the fight has been pulled from the card and the main event of the Tampa, Florida event will now be a light heavyweight fight between fourth ranked contender Glover Teixeira and former champion Rashad Evans.
Unless the UFC finds a replacement for the undefeated Russian lightweight then Nurmagomedov’s absence from the Octagon will surpass the two-year mark as a spate of knee injuries have marred his career up to this point.
