MMA ODDS AND ENDS FOR FRIDAY – NURMAGOMEDOV INJURED AGAIN

In possibly the news of this year UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov is hurt again. Based on reports, Nurmagomedov has been forced to pull out of his Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale co-headlining bout against Tony Ferguson due to a rib injury. There are preliminary discussions of Edson Barboza stepping in to replace him, but nothing is set in stone as of today. This makes it the third straight fight Nurmagomedov has not managed to see to completion. It started with a planned UFC 178 battle against Donald Cerrone which”The Eagle” was forced from following a knee injury. Once the bout was rescheduled for UFC 187 he reaggravated the knee and he’s from the December fight. Nurmagomedov hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision victory over now-UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos in April of 2014. Depending on the length of time it takes for him to recuperate from this rib setback, he is on over a yearlong break before that the Octagon is seen by him again. Ross Pearson vs. Francisco Trinaldo — UFC Fight Night 81 While one UFC bout was cancelled, another was declared as recent winners Ross Pearson and Francisco Trinaldo have been slated to throw in Boston this upcoming January. Pearson was victorious in his final bout over Paul Felder via unanimous decision despite being a heavy underdog. Trinaldo did the exact same thing, winning via round TKO over Chad Laprise this August as a dog that is huge. Trinaldo has more momentum, although this is a fight that is fairly evenly matched. The Brazilian has won four straight spells and is coming from the best victory of his profession while Pearson has been not able to string any wins together in his last eight fights. Even though Pearson has more name recognition, it wouldn’t shock me to see Trinaldo open because the little betting favorite this time around because of his current string of success.

Read more: topekahockeytalk.com