Ferguson explains declining last-minute fight with Johnson
Michael Johnson offered to try to drop weight at the last minute to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov, but Tony Ferguson declined, and explained why.
When Khabib Nurmagomedov was hospitalized on weigh-in day trying to make 155 for an interim title fight vs. Tony Ferguson, the UFC sought a last moment replacement. And they found one in Michael Johnson. The Menace was coming off a tough submission loss to Nurmagomedov, but was game to step up.
I was ready and willing!! To make that title weight for last minute. Unfortunately @TonyFergusonXT declined it. Catch ya around next time!
— Michael Johnson (@Menace155) March 3, 2017
The fight even had a back story. Ferguson is on a nine-fight win streak, but his last loss was to Johnson, via Unanimous Decision, at UFC on Fox 3: Diaz vs. Miller on May 5, 2012. Johnson is 1-3 his last four, and had little to lose in taking the fight on such short notice. The same could not be said for Ferguson, however, who, as indicated in the above tweet, decline the fight. In a tweet of his own, he offered insight into the decision.
Respect For Your Willingness To Step In. @Ufc Told Me It Wasn't For The Title And It Was For Less Pay. Willing To Fight You For Right Price https://t.co/cSGspjZUei
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 3, 2017
So the fight was canceled. It is not known which bout will be moved up to the main card.
UFC 209: Woodley vs. Thompson 2 takes place on March 4, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Main Card (PPV)
Tyron Woodley (c) vs. Stephen Thompson
CANCELED Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson
Rashad Evans vs. Dan Kelly
Lando Vannata vs. David Teymur
Alistair Overeem vs. Mark Hunt
Prelim Card (Fox Sports 1)
Marcin Tybura vs. Luis Henrique
Mirsad Bektić vs. Darren Elkins
Iuri Alcântara vs. Luke Sanders
Mark Godbeer vs. Daniel Spitz
Prelim Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Tyson Pedro vs. Paul Craig
Amanda Cooper vs. Cynthia Calvillo
Albert Morales vs. Andre Soukhamthath