Tony Ferguson may never share the octagon with Khabib Nurmagomedov.The duo have been scheduled to fight on five separate occasions, but various reasons have always ended up thwarting the contest. Most recently, they were supposed to fight on April 18 at UFC 249.However, this time round, the coronavirus epidemic struck and Khabib was unable to leave Russia.That will have been hugely frustrating for UFC fans, but at least they will still be able to watch Ferguson in action.That's because Dane White has confirmed that the American will now fight Justin Gaethje in a fortnight's time for the interim lightweight title."The fight is signed and is 100% ON LIVE on ESPN somewhere on EARTH!!!!" he wrote on Twitter."Smiling face with open mouth @TonyFergusonXT vs @Justin_Gaethje is LIVE on @espn + PPV April 18th for the interim lightweight belt!"
White did not announce a venue, or other fights.
The initial fight was due to take place in New York but the city is currently in lockdown.
Gaethje has had 23 bouts in his UFC career, winning 21.
He last fought against Donald Cerrone last September, winning by TKO in the first round.
The winner of the bout is expected to take on Khabib later this year.