The unthinkable has happened. Khabib Nurmagomedov has been forced out of his co-main event tilt opposite Tony Ferguson at UFC 209 tomorrow (Sat., Mar. 4, 2017) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been left to scramble for a quick backup plan. While reports surfaced earlier today (Fri., Mar. 3, 2017) that Michael Johnson could potentially fill in on short notice to challenge Ferguson, “El Cucuy” took to Twitter to decline the offer and state his reasons why.
I was ready and willing!! To make that title weight for last minute. Unfortunately @TonyFergusonXT declined it. Catch ya around next time!
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) March 3, 2017
Respect For Your Willingness To Step In. @Ufc Told Me It Wasn't For The Title And It Was For Less Pay. Willing To Fight You For Right Price https://t.co/cSGspjZUei
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 3, 2017
Ferguson first fought Johnson back at UFC on FOX 3 in 2012, losing via unanimous decision. Johnson remains the only fighter to defeat Ferguson inside of the Octagon. The former Ultimate Fighter winner lost to Nurmagomedov via submission back at UFC 205, but would have been good stylistic matchup for “El Cucuy.”
At this point, unless Nurmagomedov can turn back the clock, it’s safe to assume that Ferguson will not be part of UFC 209 after all. It’s a bummer to say the least, but yet another pill the mixed martial arts (MMA) world will be forced to swallow.
Stick with Mania as any UFC 209 updates roll in.