The Interim Lightweight UFC Champion, Tony Ferguson (23-3-0), has suffered a knee injury that will keep him out of the main event of UFC 223
Despite the number of requests to face Khabib Nurmagodemov (25-0-0), the company has decided that the Featherweight Champion, Max Holloway (19-3-0), will be the new opponent.
BOOM!!!!!! We got Khabib vs The Champ Max Holloway for the 155lb title this Saturday in Brooklyn New York!!!!!!!
— Dana White (@danawhite) April 1, 2018
A real bombshell in the UFC with 6 days to go until the event. One of the most desired fights by the company for years, has been canceled for the fourth time. However, this time the company chaired by Dana White has decided to make it up big time.
Holloway will have a great opportunity to make history as the second double champion (the first was Conor McGregor). However, this task will be very difficult, as he doesn't have much time for preparation. In addition, he must beat the undefeated Dagestani Khabib for the first time.
Nurmagodemov didn't take long to speak out about this last-minute change and has sent a tough message to Ferguson regarding the tough press conference they had at UFC 223.
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. ❗ На счёт этой ситуации я просто хочу сказать Тони: больше не болтай, в голове конечно много мыслей, на тебя похожим не буду, надеюсь этот урок научит тебя следить за языком. #ready #ufc223 #Alhamdulillah #победатолькоотВсевышнего
"Tony (Ferguson) 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."
Holloway and Nurmagodemov will headline UFC 223 on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in N.Y.. Additionally, they will share the card with another title fight between the women's Strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas (7-3-0) and Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-1-0).