On Tuesday Ferguson (20-3 MMA, 10-1 UFC) confirmed he was forced to withdrawal from his April 16 bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov (22-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) due to “fluid” and “blood” in his lungs. According to a UFC official, a final decision on whether or not to remove Nurmagomedov from the event has not been made.
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So, that’s an unfortunate setback for Ferguson, and it’s huge blow to Nurmagomedov. “Usually I can Power Through These things”. Doc Said I have Fluid/Blood in my Lung #UFCTampa I Will Heal Up.
Should a suitable opponent for Nurmagomedov not be found in time, the Russian, who hasn’t fought since April 2014 due to a string of injuries, will not compete at the event. “I Will be Back”.
A light heavyweight bout between Glover Teixeira and former champ Rashad Evans will now serve as the main event.
As news of Ferguson’s injury broke, dos Anjos offered to put his lightweight strap on the line against Nurmagomedov on the bumper UFC 200 card this summer. He is expected to be booked on a future card against a new opponent depending on the length of Ferguson’s absence.
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FOX UFC Fight Night also features a matchup between Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson as well as a bout between two of the best women’s strawweights in the world when Rose Namajunas takes on Tecia Torres.
