Khabib Nurmagomedov v. Tony Ferguson – UFC 209 (BJPenn.com)

I was planning on promoting this Saturday’s UFC 209 bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson, but that would be a waste of time now.

The fight between the two has been cancelled after reports of Khabib having to go to the hospital hours before the UFC 209 weigh-in. He fell ill this morning after attempting to cut weight. While he was treated and discharged, it was clear that something was off. Due to a doctor’s recommendation, there was no chance Khabib (24-0) was able to make it to the octagon. Ferguson successfully weighed in at 154.5 pounds.

Reports were pouring in as the weigh-ins were about to begin. Reporters spoke to his father and his manager declined to comment, making this a legitimate concern for everyone involved. By 2pm on the East Coast there was nothing else that could have been done.

httpss://twitter.com/ZidanSports/status/837710600721457152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

This will be the third time that circumstances have cancelled a bout between Khabib and Ferguson. This is certainly not the first time a weigh-related issue has affected a fight. Of the six UFC events in 2017, 26 fighters have had a difficult time making weight. It looks like this needs to be something that the UFC needs to address, as the process is not helping the fighters or the company.

A result from this? Conor McGregor is still out of an opponent. It was assumed whoever won this bout would face him for the UFC Lightweight Title. Khabib could have been a strong contender if he won, maybe the one to take down the champion. We will have to wait longer to find out.

The UFC will look to find Ferguson an opponent, but it doesn’t seem likely. The card will continue as scheduled. The main event features Tyron Woodley defending his Welterweight Title against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in a rematch of their UFC 205 classic.

UFC 209 will be at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.