Nurmagomedov out of UFC 209 bout vs. Ferguson after hospitalization

The most highly anticipated fight on a star-studded UFC 209 card has been cancelled.

Khabib Nurmagomedov was officially removed from a lightweight interim title bout against Tony Ferguson on a doctor's recommendation after he was taken to hospital Thursday night.

The UFC announced in a statement shortly after the conclusion of Friday's weigh-ins that Nurmagomedov has since been discharged after being treated for weight-management medical issues.

It's the third cancellation of a matchup between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson, as each side was forced to pull out of a scheduled fight in the past.

The UFC is "furiously" looking to find a last-minute replacement to keep Ferguson on the card, ESPN's Brett Okamoto reports.

Nurmagomedov had been heading into the interm title fight - which was a presumed stepping stone toward a matchup with Conor McGregor - with a perfect 24-0 professional record. Ferguson had earned the opportunity by running off nine straight victories to move him to 22-3.