Khabib Nurmagomedov has suffered another setback with news emerging that a damaged rib has forced him out of his TUF 22 Finale fight with Tony Ferguson on December 11th in Las Vegas.
It’s already been 18 months since Nurmagomedov last fought, defeating Rafael dos Anjos – and that gives an indication of just how much can happen while a fighter sits on the sidelines as Dos Anjos has since become the lightweight champion after winning four bouts in a row.
It’s an unfortunate situation as many believe that Nurmagomedov has what it takes to become champion at 155lbs and his flawless 22-0 career record, including a 6-0 stint in the UFC so far, certainly backs that up.
With the No.3 ranked Nurmagomedov out, the division’s current No.8 placed Ferguson is now in need of a new opponent and it’s being reported that the uFC are now targeting Edson Barboza (No.6) to take his spot.
Barboza is coming off a win over Paul Felder and is 3-1 in his last four Octagon outings, while Ferguson is on a hot streak with a six fight unbeaten stretch over the past two years.
The TUF 22 Finale will be headlined by a must-see featherweight showdown between top contenders Frankie Edgar and Chad Mendes, and if it is made official then Ferguson Vs Barboza should retain the co-main event spot on the card.
