First there was Holloway, then possibly Pettis, and then Felder. It has been a frantic built up to UFC 223 on a number of fronts.
Beyond Conor McGregor's performance last night, the issue surrounding who, if anyone, will fight Khabib Numagomedov remains unclear.
With news emerging that Max Holloway would play no part in UFC 223, Khabib Nurmagomedov was once again left without an opponent for the event's main card.
Tony Ferguson was initially due to fight Nurmagomedov, but, after pulling out himself, Max Holloway slotted in to fill the gap. Having been declared "medically unfit" after intense attempts to cut sufficient weight, rumours initially circulated that Anthony Pettis would stand in to keep the event alive.
Told by @danawhite that @BlessedMMA max hollloway can’t fight....says @TeamKhabib will fight Anthony Pettis...
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) April 6, 2018
Furthermore, the fight would offer Pettis the chance of challenging for Conor McGregor's recently-vacated lightweight belt.
Dana White says @TeamKhabib @Showtimepettis will be for the lightweight belt.
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) April 6, 2018
Pettis had initially been set to fight Michael Chiesa on the undercard of this weekend's event. However, after Conor McGregor's antics in the Barclay's Centre last night, and the lacerations Chiesa suffered, that bout had been similarly compromised.
Yet, as some MMA journalists were quick to point out, there were no guarantees that Nurmagomedov would accept the decision.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s involvement tomorrow is not 100%. UFC seeking a last minute replacement and negotiations are underway. If it is Pettis, and that isn’t 100%, he needs to weigh in within the next 38 mins.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 6, 2018
Sure enough, the Pettis/Nurmagomedov bout fell apart as quickly.
A UFC official said Pettis isn’t re-weighing after all. That’s why they took the scale. Then a PR member said to standby. I’m told at this time there isn’t a deal in place for Pettis to step in.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 6, 2018
I'm hearing that @Showtimepettis asked for a bigger payday, #UFC countered with less. Pettis declined, @felderpaul gets the spot. Standing by for more info from my girl @vevyrodrigues in NYC... #UFC223
— Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) April 6, 2018
The emphasis then shifted toward the 32-year-old Paul Felder; another lightweight who may be able to step in to fill the gap. Yet, even that wasn't immediately straight-forward to sort out.
Paul Felder made 155.0. I’m told, as @KarynBryant reported, UFC also tried to get him to step in. Felder wants it. NYSAC has concerns. Nothing is done yet.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 6, 2018
Sure enough, Felder then confirmed that despite his best efforts, he would not be allowed to fight. As of now, the situation remains unclear.
I tried to get it. Commission is stopping it
— Paul Felder (@felderpaul) April 6, 2018
