Arguably the greatest lightweight match-up in the history of the sport has been cancelled.
The ‘people’s main event’ of UFC 209, the interim lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson has been scrapped.
A report from Russia spread before the weigh-ins that the undefeated Dagestani had been taken to hospital. Once the weigh-in deadline had passed and there was no sign of Nurmagomedov tipping the scales, the UFC made the announcement official.
For the third time, Nurmagomedov vs Ferguson has fallen through after being booked. However, this time it hit the MMA community a little harder because of the higher stakes and the fact that it came down to the wire.
Devastating news #UFC209 https://t.co/tfCZXcdVwh
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 3, 2017
Ferguson was full of confidence heading int this bout against a 24-0 fighter with an air of invincibility. So far, no one has been able to find the solution to Nurmagomedov’s elite grappling prowess. However, throughout the entirety of fight week, Ferguson had been saying that he was going to increase his own win-streak to 10 by beating the Eagle.
Although the fight was scheduled to play the supporting role to the welterweight title rematch between Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson, this would have undoubtedly been the biggest fight of El Cucuy’s career. Holding the interim strap may just have earned him the biggest payday of all, a title unification bout against Conor McGregor.
However, Ferguson didn’t display anger or frustration once the news broke. Instead, he showed concern for his fellow warrior. After his withdrawal was made official, Ferguson reached out to Nurmagomedov on Twitter wishing him well on his recovery.
@TeamKhabib I Hope U Feel Better Khabib, I Pray For Your Recovery, I Mean It, Get Better #Road2Gold #TonyFergusonMMA #UFC209 @ufc @danawhite
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 3, 2017
Ferguson has been in a similar position before. He was forced to pull out of his scheduled bout against Nurmagomedov at UFC on Fox 19 after doctors confirmed he had blood and fluid in his lung.
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