The UFC 209 co-main event took a major hit this morning when top lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov was hospitalized for complications with his weight cut.
The UFC released this official statement regarding Khabib’s removal from UFC 209.
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.
UFC 209 takes place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m./7 p.m. ET/PT. Tyron Woodley faces Stephen Thompson with his welterweight championship on the line in a rematch from their 2016 Fight of the Year contender at UFC 205.
The interim lightweight title fight may be off, but that doesn’t mean Tony Ferguson has been ruled out.
UFC working with NSAC to create options. At end of day, Ferguson has to agree to one. Weird situation for him. Stakes completely different.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 3, 2017
It’ll be interesting to see which opponent steps up on 24-hour notice to fight Ferguson.
@TeamKhabib I Hope U Feel Better Khabib, I Pray For Your Recovery, I Mean It, Get Better #Road2Gold #TonyFergusonMMA #UFC209 @ufc @danawhite
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 3, 2017