The good news is that Khabib Nurmagomedov will indeed be making his comeback at UFC on Fox 19.
The bad news is that it won’t be against the superstar replacement that thousands of fight fans were hoping for.
After Tony Ferguson withdrew from the main event of next Saturday’s fight card, big name stand-ins lined up in the form of BJ Penn and Donald Cerrone.
Nurmagomedov has waited almost two years to get back into the Octagon and had made no secret of his desire to take on anyone at any weight.
Pettis, Cowboy, RDA or somebody, anyone and any weight. 16 April I'm waiting for you guys. @danawhite @lorenzofertitta #InshaAllahVictory
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 6, 2016
And the undefeated Russian has gotten his wish of a replacement opponent as the UFC have announced that promotional newcomer Darrell Horcher would step up on April 16 in Florida.
UFC officials confirmed the switch-up on Thursday evening and revealed that the bout will be contested at a catchweight of 160 lbs.
Horcher is far from a household name but does boast an impressive professional record of 12-1 with half of his victories coming by way of knockout.
But the Pennsylvania lightweight will have to summon the performance of a lifetime if he is to upset the odds by becoming the first blot on Nurmagomedov’s copybook.
We understand that Glover Teixeira vs. Rashad Evans will remain as the new main event.
