Michael Chiesa forced off South Dakota card with ruptured disc

ONE of the UFC’s big lightweight bouts has been put on ice following news of Michael Chiesa’s recent injury.

‘Maverick’ sustained a back injury during training that was diagnosed as a ruptured disc, meaning the lightweight contender will be out of action for around eight weeks as he undergoes rehab.

The No 10-ranked lightweight is in the best form of his career, having scored back-to-back submissions of Jim Miller and Beneil Dariush.

And ‘Maverick’ was due to take on No 3 contender Tony Ferguson at UFC Fight Night in South Dakota on July 13 in the biggest fight of his career.

But following his untimely injury, the submission ace from Spokane, Washington, will be on the shelf until the new year.

UFC Vice President of Public Relations, Athlete Marketing & Development Dave Sholler later confirmed via Twitter the UFC were in the process of finding an alternative opponent to face Ferguson.