There’s never a dull moment in the MMA world — as once again, a hotly anticipated main event is scrapped, with Tony Ferguson off UFC 223 due to injury.
What an incredible turn of events Sunday delivered. What many figured for an April Fool’s prank was confirmed by the UFC: that Tony Ferguson was injured, needing surgery, and had been replaced in the UFC 223 main event. His replacement: UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway. Holloway will now face Khabib Nurmagomedov for a lightweight title in Brooklyn, giving ‘Blessed’ a shot at becoming a two division champion. Which lightweight title is anyone’s guess, though Dana White has confirmed that Tony Ferguson’s interim strap will be going away.
Looming in the distance, of course, is Conor McGregor, the erstwhile lightweight champion. McGregor, of course, beat Holloway early in his UFC run. A rematch at lightweight could turn into a big draw for the Irish superstar (not that he needs much help to draw). A battle with Khabib Nurmagomedov, perhaps in Russia, is equally tantalizing.
Yet first, there’s UFC 223 to contend with. Just like everyone else, the pros were shocked — especially Kevin Lee, whose running commentary on the turn of events was rather humorous. Check out their reactions below!
BOOM!!!!!! We got Khabib vs The Champ Max Holloway for the 155lb title this Saturday in Brooklyn New York!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/quvI3UqGXh
— Dana White (@danawhite) April 1, 2018
5th time’s a charm? 🤷🏻♂️ Is this real? Khabib x Ferguson is off? Now Holloway x Khabib? #UFC223
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) April 1, 2018
Not sure if I believe any of this hoopla about about Ferguson being out and Max vs Khabib. #ufc223
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 1, 2018
If this is a joke. I will find you….. and do really weird things to you. (Didn’t want to threaten you straight out).
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) April 1, 2018
Too many April fools jokes today 🙄
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) April 1, 2018
This is number one bullshit #UFC223
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) April 1, 2018
This is number one bullshit. #ufc223
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 1, 2018
What…..
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) April 1, 2018
Max Holloway is a massive featherweight. Wouldn't be surprised if he was around 178 lbs. or so when this fight came together. That said, history suggests you should be confident he'll go thru the hell and make whatever weight he's contracted to make. Hawaiian warrior.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) April 1, 2018
Still waiting for Dana to come back with the “April fools” line…
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) April 1, 2018
@BlessedMMA is a fuckin gangster tho
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) April 1, 2018
I’m an emotional wreck reading all these tweets and news lines. I hate #AprilFoolsDay #aprilfools I don’t know what to believe anymore.
— Zak Cummings (@ZakCummings) April 1, 2018
I think you just blew it. Fools joke from UFC and you just wanted us to know. Thanks
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) April 1, 2018
I hate April fools
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) April 1, 2018
Me too 😐 https://t.co/acXTr5k35U
— Jessica Penne (@JessicaPenne) April 2, 2018
This shit so crazy. Nothing but respect @BlessedMMA
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) April 1, 2018
I was super skeptical since it’s April Fool’s… but I just heard from a person I trust with details that confirm it. It’s legit.
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) April 1, 2018
Max Holloway please whip this dudes ass
— David Rickels (@TheCaveman316) April 1, 2018
I’m questioning life https://t.co/bt4kSpGLmQ
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) April 1, 2018
Since so many have asked: if this is a joke I am not in on it. Just as stunned as everyone else
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) April 2, 2018
I CANNOT believe this fight is off AGAIN!!! I’ll hold my breath until tomorrow #UFC223
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) April 1, 2018
Well while everyone is SUPER bummed Ferguson is out, the bright side is @BlessedMMA has a chance to become GOAT. Let that sink in. Happy Easter! #UFC223
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) April 2, 2018
Where are you now? @TheNotoriousMMA
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 1, 2018
Tony heal up man. Just want to advise you, don’t talk too much anymore. Lot of thoughts in my… https://t.co/UbobWKlzTY
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 1, 2018
Battle between King Cobra and Reticulated Python. Both dead when found #UFC223 pic.twitter.com/4wRZ47aWad
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) April 1, 2018
