UFC releases statement on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s status

Undefeated UFC lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0) was unable to weigh-in before the set deadline for his interim lightweight title bout with Tony Ferguson (22-3). Their fight was scheduled to serve as the main event for UFC 209 with the winner being awarded the next shot at Conor McGregor to unify the UFC lightweight titles later this year. Due to weight cutting issues that kept Nurmagomedov from being able to weigh in during the proper time frame – this fight has been canceled.

Here’s the official statement provided by UFC officials:

UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov was transported to Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center Thursday evening due to weight management medical issues. He was treated and has been discharged, UFC officials confirmed.

The scheduled interim lightweight championship bout between Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson at UFC 209 has been cancelled on the doctor’s recommendation.

As of this writing, we are unsure which bout will be promoted as the new co-main event. A middleweight bout between Rashad Evans (19-5-1) and Daniel Kelly (12-1) seems to be the most likely. It’s still not clear which preliminary bout will be promoted to the PPV portion of the card. 

UPDATE: According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, the UFC and Michael Johnson are working together to get a fight finalized with Ferguson on under 24 hours notice. Stay tuned. 

FINAL UPDATE: There will be no replacement opponent for Tony Ferguson per UFC President Dana White.