The worst part is, the UFC might just give Khabib Nurmagomedov what he wants.
As any devout MMA fan will know, coping with the loss of a great match-up is an essential part of the game. There have been so many high-profile fights that have fallen through, that we’ve just become used to it.
However, every now and again, there’s one fight cancellation that catches everyone off guard and brings the mood down to near-depression levels. In 2017, that fight was the interim lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
It was arguably the most stylistically intriguing match-up in the history of the sport. The free-form jazz fighter who’s unpredictability makes him one of the most dangerous on the roster vs the undefeated, grappling master who’s unorthodox stand-up game causes most opponents problems.
At the final hurdle, the fight was scrapped. Nurmagomedov never weighed in after being rushed to hospital before the deadline and the UFC officially called UFC 209’s co-main event off.
The good news is ‘The Eagle’ is over his weigh-cutting-related medical issues. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke a positive health update about the Sambo specialist on Thursday evening. As a devout Muslim, Nurmagomeov doesn’t compete during Ramadan, so his projected return date is in late summer/early autumn.
Per his manager, Khabib Nurmagomedov has visited physicians, health is "good." Ramadan starts end of May. Looking for title fight Aug/Sept.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 30, 2017
As you’ve probably already guessed, most people took issue with two words in the message sent by his manager.
Considering that the fight fell through because of his botched weight cut coupled with those reports of him eating bullshit food in the lead-up to the event, people don’t feel that Nurmagomedov is deserving of a title shot upon return.
@bokamotoESPN Hahaha. Did he say title fight?
— George from Colo (@george1ufcfan) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN title fight? lol.
— TJ III (@TerranceJamesII) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN so someone seen eating like shit days b4 weigh ins, can come back whenever & get a title shot? seems like todays @ufc
— Ryan (@mavs2011champs0) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN hahahahah no chance
— Josh (@lrishFighting) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN @Kwegman26416 Haha he ain’t fighting for no UFC belts in August or September.
— Raider Nation Ron (@RaiderNationRon) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN Is it just me that thinks after pulling out of fights with such magnitude on mult. occasions that he shouldn’t get an immediate Title shot?
— Troy Miller (@tmillski93) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN Lmao mf said title fight
— Eric G. (@FREESKEN) March 30, 2017
@bokamotoESPN Get in line behind ferguson.
— gavin costigan (@gavcoso) March 30, 2017
You can’t say Conor McGregor didn’t warn us.
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