UFC Confirms Michael Johnson to Fight Artem Lobov, Due to “Ongoing Investigation” Re: Zubaira Tukhugov

The UFC has now confirmed that Michael Johnson is replacing Zubaira Tukhugov at the promotion’s October 27th in Moncton, New Brunswick, as a result of an “ongoing investigation”.

Due to Tukhugov’s reported involvement in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229, it remains to be seen whether Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate will be competing under the UFC’s banner moving forward. Recently it was reported that Johnson was going to step in and fight Lobov at UFC Moncton, and now the promotion’s released the statement below:

“Featherweight athlete Michael Johnson will be replacing Zubaira Tukhugov in the scheduled bout against Artem Lobov at UFC Fight Night: Volkan vs. Smith, due to an ongoing investigation by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Johnson, 18-13, moved to the featherweight division earlier this year, earning a victory over Andre Fili in his most recent bout.

Johnson vs. Lobov will serve as the co-main event at UFC Fight Night: Volkan vs. Smith as the organization makes its debut in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on Saturday, October 27, 2018.”

Nurmagomedov recently warned the UFC that if the promotion cuts Tukhugov, he’s going to leave the organization as well. But, since then, Dana White has claimed that everything is “good” between the UFC and Khabib.