Khabib Nurmagomedov to Have Surgery on Injured Knee, Out Four to Six Months
Second-ranked lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov is going to require surgery on the injured knee that forced him out of his UFC 187 bout against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. The news was first reported on Thursday’s edition of UFC Tonight.
Nurmagomedov (22-0) tweaked his knee in training on Wednesday and was hoping that he wouldn’t require surgery. Unfortunately, doctor’s informed the Russian that he would have to go under the knife. He got a second opinion from a UFC doctor in Los Angeles yesterday who gave him the same prognosis.
“The Eagle” will have surgery today to repair a torn meniscus and expects to be sidelined for four to six months. He’s hoping to return to competition in October.
Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Cerrone at UFC 178 in September but pulled out of the bout with a knee injury. His coaches believe he came back too soon and that resulted in a second, more serious injury to his knee.
RELATED > John Makdessi Steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov
John Makdessi, fresh off of a victory at UFC 186 on April 25, has already agreed to take Nurmagomedov's spot. He will fight Cerrone at UFC 187 on May 23 in Las Vegas.
