Mixed Martial Arts-Ferguson steps in to face Diaz in UFC main event as Chimaev misses weight

FILE PHOTO: Apr 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Khamzat Chimaev (blue gloves) declared winner after a fight against Gilbert Burns (red gloves) during UFC 273 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) -American Tony Ferguson will step up to take on compatriot Nate Diaz in the main event at UFC 279 after Swedish fighter Khamzat Chimaev missed the weight for Saturday's welterweight showdown by a whopping 7.5 pounds.

The 28-year-old Chimaev tipped the scales at 178.5 pounds, well over the welterweight limit of 171, with his team saying a "medical issue" prevented him from cutting weight effectively.