Tony Ferguson was drafted in the last minute to face Nate Diaz at UFC 279 after Khamzat Chimaev missed the weight by SEVEN pounds

TONY FERGUSON takes on Nate Diaz in the new main event at UFC 279 after Khamzat Chimaev missed the weight for the duel.

The undefeated welterweight weighed a whopping seven and a half pounds over the limit for the scheduled fight in Las Vegas.

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In a statement released by the UFC, Chimaev was advised by the medical team to stop losing weight due to weight management issues.

The 28-year-old will now face Kevin Holland in a 180lb catchweight bout in this weekend’s co-main event at T-Mobile Arena.

Substituting for the Swedish star is UFC veteran Ferguson, 38, who has not fought since his brutal KO loss to Michael Chandler in May.

Ferguson, who was originally set to face Li Jingliang, is on a four-fight losing streak that dates back to May 2020.

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It is believed to be Diaz’s final fight of his 15-year UFC career, with the 37-year-old in the final fight of his contract.

Diaz immediately beat Chimaev after his fight with Ferguson was confirmed, where he stated his rival was afraid of hitting him in the octagon.

He said: “Tony’s been there a long time, we should have fought a long time ago.

“Khabib [Nurmagomedov]’sb****a** was scared of him just like that b****a** motherf***er was scared of me yesterday.

“We hit him in the back here and now he’s not gaining weight.

“You already know what it is. Real Gs come from California, America motherf***ers.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, has promised fireworks when he takes on his compatriot.

He remarked, “Grab your damn popcorn and your blue slushees motherf****er ’cause we’re gonna have some fun!”