Khabib Nurmagomedov injured, out of TUF 22 Finale bout vs. Tony Ferguson

Khabib Nurmagomedov

The injury bug has once again hit UFC lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov.

A rib injury suffered in training with further delay Nurmagomedov’s (22-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) return to the octagon and he will no longer face Tony Ferguson (19-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale on Dec. 11. MMAFighting.com first reported the news and Nurmagomedov later confirmed his withdrawal.

Reportedly being discussed to step in for Nurmagomedov, who is No. 2 in the NOS Energy Drink MMA lightweight rankings, is No. 13-ranked Edson Barboza (19-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC). The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale takes place at the Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas with the main card on FOX Sports 1 following prelims on the same channel and UFC Fight Pass.

Nurmagomedov has not competed since UFC on FOX 11 in April 2014 when he scored a dominant unanimous decision win over current UFC lightweight titleholder Rafael dos Anjos. The victory extended his undefeated record to 22-0, including six-straight successful trips to the octagon.

“The Eagle” suffered a knee injury that required surgery following the bout with dos Anjos and was scheduled to return to action against Donald Cerrone at UFC 187 in May. Unfortunately, another knee injury struck the 27-year-old and he was forced out of the contest.

Nurmagomedov was unsuccessful yet again in his attempt to make a comeback from injury and judging from his comments the latest setback could be too much to overcome.

“I broke a rib and once again retired from the fight,” Nurmagomedov wrote. “I really wanted to come back, I’m not sure I’ll be back at all ever, thank you very much to all my fans.”

For more on The Ultimate Fight 22 Finale, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.