Top Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight contender Tony Ferguson is on the hunt for a new opponent after fellow Ultimate Fighter (TUF) champ Michael Chiesa was injured and forced to withdraw from their UFC Fight Night 91 main event, per MMA Junkie, booked for Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on July 13, 2016.
“Maverick” explains himself on Twitter:
To my family, friends and fans. As reported below, a back injury has forced me out of my scheduled fight for July 13th against Tony Ferguson. During a routine training session, I felt a pop and shift in my lower back followed by very very sharp pains that left me on the floor.
I found out today I have a fully ruptured disk, I will undergo 8 weeks of physical therapy and rehab to hopefully avoid having to go under the knife and get back surgery. Thanks to everyone that supports me, my teammates and coaches, the city of Spokane and all my fans around the world. I’ll be back stronger.
– Mav
A replacement is expected to be named in the coming days.
UFC Fight Night 91 will also feature a middleweight showdown pitting Tim Boetsch opposite Josh Samman, while Alexey Oleinik and Daniel Omielanczuk hook ’em up for heavyweight bragging rights.
For the current Sioux Falls fight card and line up click here.