Tony Ferguson Withdraws from UFC on Fox 19 Headliner vs. Nurmagomedov Due to Injury

Top lightweight contender Tony Ferguson has suffered an injury and has withdrawn from his UFC on Fox 19 headlining bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Promotion officials confirmed the news following an initial report from Fox Sports. As a result of Ferguson’s injury, the light heavyweight contest between Rashad Evans and Glover Teixeira will serve as the card’s new main event. The promotion is currently attempting to find an opponent to face Nurmagomedov on short notice.

Usually I can Power thru small Bumps & Bruises. Doc Said I have Fluid/Blood in my Lung #UFCTampa I Will Heal Up. I Will be Back.#TeamElCucuy

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 5, 2016

“Doc said it wasn’t wise to fight due to any more trauma could be terminal,” Ferguson wrote on Instagram. “...I will be back, I will be better. You haven’t seen anything yet.

“Give me a couple weeks. Khabib pulled out three times. I have pulled out once in my whole career. I will be back. It’s s----y these things happen...Staying positive for my family.”

UFC on Fox 19 takes place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., on April 16 and also includes a showdown between Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson. The evening’s main card will be televised on the Fox Network.

Ferguson has won his last seven fights in the Octagon, including a second-round submission of Edson Barboza at “The Ultimate Fighter 22” finale in December. Nurmagomedov, who is unbeaten in 22 professional outings, hasn’t competed since besting current 155-pound king Rafael dos Anjos in April 2014.