Due to short notice, the bout will be a 160-pound catchweight.
Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida hosts the April 16 event.
Nurmagomedov was initially slated to headline the show opposite Ferguson, but Ferguson withdrew at the last-minute with fluid in his lungs. While Ferguson said he would be more than willing to keep his assignment with Nurmagomedov if the shootout was postponed a month, the UFC decided to move on for the time being.
Cerrone was close to stepping in to battle Nurmagomedov, but nothing could be finalized.
Nurmagomedov owns a perfect 22-0 professional record, but has been losing his battle with the injury bug of late.