Khabib Nurmagomedov books surprising opponent for UFC on FOX 19

The UFC surprised many on Thursday when it was revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s short-notice opponent for UFC on FOX 19 would be 12-1 reigning CFCC lightweight champion Darrell Horcher.

Initial reports were flying around the Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone would be stepping in to fight the undefeated Nurmagomedov with both fighters having signed their contracts. However, the UFC confirmed with FOX Sports on Thursday that Nurmagomedov would welcome Horcher in his UFC debut at a catchweight bout set at 160 pounds.

Nurmagomedov was supposed to headline the UFC on FOX 19 event on April 16th in Florida against Tony Ferguson, but an injury forced Ferguson out of the bout. Nurmagomedov will still be fighting on the card, but has been moved from the main event slot, with Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira now slated for the main event, according to FOX Sports.