Shocking news an interim champion Tony Ferguson was pulled out of his scheduled lightweight title bout at UFC 223 against undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov due to a knee injury that will require surgery.
Featherweight champ Max Holloway stepped in to take the fight on short notice, it was announced the contest would be for the interim strap. The 155-pound bout will still headline UFC 223 on April 7 in Brooklyn, New York.
UFC president Dana White speaking to ESPN.com to confirm the news and said Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Max Holloway would be for the undisputed lightweight title. White also added that Ferguson tore his ACL:
“That goes away,” White said. “This fight is for the title. The winner of this fight will be the champion.”
“He (Ferguson) actually tore it off the bone, he’s gonna need surgery on his knee,” White said.
Tony Ferguson who held the interim strap, but an injury has now forced him to be stripped.
Conor McGregor remains the UFC’s official lightweight champion, but he is expected to strip that title as soon as Nurmagomedov and Holloway enter the octagon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov who is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Brazilian Edson Barboza at UFC 219 back in December, took to social media and reacted to the news:
“Tony heal up man. Just want to advise you, don’t talk too much anymore. Lot of thoughts in my head right now, but I don’t want to become like you. Hope, this lesson will teach you watch your mouth.”
Ferguson was very apologetic and said that he will be back:
“Words can’t express how hurt, frustrated, angry and in disbelief I am right now. As I was completing my UFC pre-fight media obligations on Friday I had an accident on a studio set that tore a ligament in my knee. My doctor and the UFC doctor both said I can’t fight and one is saying I need surgery, so I will see a specialist to make the final determination on how I can heal up and get back in there to defend my belt ASAP. I want to apologize to all the fans, the UFC, Khabib, my teammates, my coaches, my friends, and most importantly my family. Happy Easter to everyone out there, I believe that there is a silver lining in this nightmare of a reality, because this isn’t an April Fools. Good health and blessings to you all.”
Featherweight champion Max Holloway stepped in and posted a picture on social media that displaying snakes fighting each other:
Twitter reacted to Tony Ferguson’s injury:
All bullshit aside, @TonyFergusonXT you have a family and I don’t wish injures in my worst enemy I hope you come back and wish you a speedy recovery
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) April 1, 2018
That person that seemed so important at that moment is no longer Tony’s friend! This is crazy! https://t.co/nlBPAnlRvQ
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 1, 2018
Tony is out, @BlessedMMA is in for the undisputed title. I don’t believe it. #aprilfoolsjoke
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 1, 2018
@BlessedMMA your the freaking man. Tough fighters take tough fights. Best of luck G. @ufc
— Seth Baczynski (@Sethbmma) April 2, 2018
Max Holloway is a monster way to step up this fights still exciting #ufc223
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 1, 2018
This is the craziest part of the story to me.. how the hell does this happen?! https://t.co/yrQ56PHdaD
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) April 1, 2018
My reaction to @BlessedMMA vs @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/Z9xzmwf7oi
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) April 1, 2018
Not sure if I believe any of this hoopla about about Ferguson being out and Max vs Khabib. #ufc223
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 1, 2018
Booked 4 times and canceled 4 times. I’m in disbelief! Idk if the UFC will rebook this one for a 5th time. We might look back one day and realize Khabib vs Tony was the best matchup we never got to see..
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) April 1, 2018
I CANNOT believe this fight is off AGAIN!!! I’ll hold my breath until tomorrow #UFC223
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) April 1, 2018
What…..
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) April 1, 2018
I hate April fools
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) April 1, 2018
