Nate Diaz vs. Khamzat Chimaev Nixed, Replacement Bouts Announced Amidst UFC 279 Drama
UFC 279 has undergone a complete makeover.
In case you missed it, there was some drama surrounding this morning’s UFC 279 weigh-ins. Khamzat Chimaev weighed-in at 178.5-pounds for his scheduled welterweight main event clash against fan-favorite, Nate Diaz, however, that’s of course 7.5-pounds over the 171-pound welterweight limit.
Following Chimaev’s weight miss, rumors swirled for hours on what would be done with not only Chimaev, but also Nate Diaz and roughly seven hours later, we finally have clarity.
UFC President, Dana White took over the UFC’s, ESPN’s, and his own Instagram page as he went live on the popular social media platform, where he announced the following changes to tomorrow night’s card:
Tony Ferguson replaces Khamzat Chimaev against Nate Diaz in the main event of the evening. Khamzat Chimaev replaces Daniel Rodriguez against Kevin Holland in the new 5-round co-main event. Li Jingliang replaces Kevin Holland against Daniel Rodriguez on the main card.
The updated main card for UFC 279 can be found below:
- Nate Diaz vs. (#11LW) Tony Ferguson — 5-round Welterweight Main Event
- (#3WW) Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kevin Holland — 5-round Catchweight (180-pounds) Co-Main Event
- (#14WW) Li Jingliang vs. Daniel Rodriguez — 3-round Openweight Bout
- (#4) Irene Aldana vs. (#10) Macy Chiasson — Catchweight (140-pounds) Bout
- (#12) Johnny Walker vs. Ion Cutelaba
Fightful will have complete coverage of UFC 279 on Saturday, September 10, beginning at 6:00 p.m. EDT/3:00 p.m. PDT.
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