Tony Ferguson Withdraws From UFC 223, Max Holloway Named Replacement

For Khabib and Holloway it presents a chance they may not have expected. But first, is Max Holloway a bad match-up for Khabib?

If Khabib Nurmagomedov defeats Max Holloway at UFC 223 on Saturday, he will become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, taking the belt that is now around Conor McGregor’s waist.

Although many called for the “Notorious” to enter the octagon at short notice and battle Nurmagomedov, UFC president Dana White insisted September is a more likely date for McGregor’s return. “But you never know, this is insane game”.

Ferguson was ruled out of their high profile UFC lightweight title fight after a trip and fall while performing media duties saw him tear knee ligaments. When he learned Sunday the fight wouldn’t happen, Nurmagomedov was disappointed, but optimistic it could happen soon enough. The tie was for another fighter he did not name, but the other one was apparently done in four days according to the ESPN piece. He injured, I injured. Max has always said he doesn’t want to fight guys people think he can beat. When asked if he would be willing to book the fight a fifth time, White responded, “Hell no”.

White said after the event that he was embarrassed and promised to one day make it up to the fans of Calgary.

Now, “The Eagle” turns his attention to Hawaii’s Holloway.

The co-main event on Saturday sees women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas battle Joanna Jedrzejczyk in a rematch of their bout from UFC 217 last November.

The 26-year-old can also become the youngest fighter in history to earn titles in multiple divisions. While he admires Holloway’s heart, the Russian questions whether it’s such a bright idea.

“I understand him”, Nurmagomedov said. “I need this guy because he put tweet couple weeks ago saying, ‘Stay Ready”.

The main concern for Holloway, as he’s said previously, is to be come a legend. “He’s very fast and a smart fighter, so this is going to be a very interesting fight”.