Clearly Dana White has angered the MMA Gods as we learnt today the UFC 223 co-main event for the Lightweight Belt between interim champion Tony Ferguson versus Khabib Nurmagomedov is off.
The MMA community was alerted to this by a solemn White in a video posted to his social media accounts. This has been a match up that has had fans drooling for quite some time however this marks the fourth time this fight has cancelled with either Ferguson or Nurmagomedov pulling due to injury on previous occasions.
In what has been described as a freak accident, it is believed Ferguson was fulfilling pre-fight media obligations at Fox Studios and while turning to greet a friend tore a ligament within his knee. Ferguson noted on his Instagram page today that he has been advised he will require surgery to fix this injury.
As the hours ticked by most of the MMA community was hoping this was some sort of April fools joke however noted on both Dana White’s video and Ferguson’s Instagram this is anything but.
However in what had potential to derail what was looking to be a solid card, we learnt from the same video posted by White that Featherweight Champ Max Holloway will be replacing the injured Ferguson and will be fighting Nurmagomedov at UFC 223. In a move that replicates former Featherwight and Lightweight champ Conor Mcgregor who won the belts in 2015 and 2016 respectiviely, Holloway enters this match-up on the wrong side of 5-1 odds.
Holloway who is known as a dangerous striker will have his hands full with a likely wrestling onslaught brought on from Nurmagomedov who’ll enter the octagon looking to continue his nine-fight win streak and an overall MMA record of 25-0.
Time well tell if fans will get a fifth shot to see Ferguson and Nurmagomedov square off in the octagon, but I can be sure if it is to happen Dana White will be wrapping these two up in bubble wrap until the bell rings.
AG
Guest
didnt john kavanagh say that this fight will never happen? mcgregor will be laughing his head off so annoying to see this fight cancelled.
shirtpants
Roar Guru
I give Max next to no chance. I really rate him as a fighter, and I think he will go down as one of the best featherweights of all time. He has very accurate hands, walks through punches and great take down defense. If he wins, multi division champ, holds two belts etc etc. I can see why he's taking it. There's no downside. I'm sure he walks around at 160/165 but he won't be in as good shape as he would be with 12 weeks to get his body right. He's got the height and reach but Khabib will just physically impose himself and no one can stop Khabib's takedowns. Holloway just needs to keep the distance with the jab and scramble well and keep his composure
Ben Jeffries
Roar Rookie
Yeah it's getting abit nuts, surely the new owners are pulling their hair out with all the main card issues they've had but lucky this is still a solid card with Holloway stepping up on top of seeing the women's rematch with Joanna V Rose.
Ben Jeffries
Roar Rookie
Yeah I'm happy Max stepped up but he's got an absolute bear wrestling beast to get through, I think if he manages it this will go down as a huge upset in UFC history. Never know but Khabib is deadly if he gets Max on the mat.
BigJ
Roar Guru
So how many ppv it that now that have to be changed at the last minute??? I count three. This is getting out of hand. Oh well just another poster to collect
shirtpants
Roar Guru
I'm really glad the lightweight title is still up for grabs. This could get ugly for Holloway but he doesn't really have anything to lose