Tony Ferguson replaces Khamzat Chimaev vs Nate Diaz in UFC 279 main event

Tony Ferguson has agreed to fight Nate Diaz as Khamzat Chimaev‘s replacement.

UFC 279 has been left in tatters after Chimaev failed to make weight for his fight with Diaz in the early hours of Sunday morning after coming in more than 7lbs over.

Chimaev was expected to face Diaz in one of the most highly anticipated fights in MMA history.

But at Friday’s weigh-ins, he came in at over seven-and-a-half pounds, which is roughly three kilograms over the 170lbs welterweight limit.

ALL THE INFO: UFC 279: Date, Announced Fight Card, Location and more

The UFC gave him two hours to drop his weight but it was later confirmed that he was unable to do so after going back to his hotel room to try again.

Ferguson, 38, has been upgraded to the main event as a result after agreeing to step in on short notice.

According to longtime MMA beat reporter Ariel Helwani, Dustin Poirier was also considered as a potential alternative.

READ MORE: Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva: Nate Diaz gives his honest reaction, and it will surprise many

Poirier reportedly even had a pilot and jet on standby just in case he got the call to fight Diaz.

However, it seems like that will no longer be necessary, as the UFC have decided to move in a different direction instead.

Ferguson is a year older than Diaz at 38, and has had 32 fights compared to Diaz’s 33.

Both men are the same height according to Wikipedia. But Ferguson has a slightly longer reach by half an inch.

More to follow…

This is a breaking news article that is currently being updated. More details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest information.

GiveMeSport (GMS) is a sport media outlet providing exclusive player and manager interviews, and providing fans with