Nurmagomedov (photo via gazetaesportiva.net)

By FCF Staff

Recently it was announced that Michael Johnson will fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 197, but according to a new report, the latter will likely face Khabib Nurmagomedov next.

Johnson has withdrawn from the March 5th due to undisclosed reasons according to a report from MMA Fighting.com. The reports says that sources have confirmed the UFC is trying to sign a fight between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov as a result, and that the bout would take place April 16th.

Nurmagomedov (22-0) hasn’t fought since April, 2014, when he decisioned now reigning lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos.

Ferguson (20-3) is coming off a submission win over Edson Barboza in December.

The UFC has not made any official announcement regarding the reported change.