The UFC 249 pay-per-view event might take place without the defending lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The undefeated Russian champion is scheduled to defend his 155-pound title on April 18 against number one contender, Tony Ferguson, in a clash dubbed as the ‘most anticipated MMA fight in UFC history.’
Earlier this month, the New York State Athletic Commission cancelled the event that was set to take place at Barclays Center as the state battles the deadly coronavirus, forcing the UFC to find a different venue for the MMA festivities.
While UFC president Dana White is determined to give fans the ‘baddest fight card,’ logistical problems continue to pile up as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the planet.
Last week, multiple reports claimed Nurmagomedov abandoned his training camp at the American Kickboxing Academy in the United States and has returned to his home country, Russia, to complete his preparation for his third straight title-defence.
Now, the lightweight champion is saying the UFC 249 PPV event could proceed with or without him.
In Quarantine
In an Instagram live, Khabib shared the promotion has considered Abu Dhabi as the potential host for UFC 249 as the US bans all large gatherings due the outbreak.
“We were training in the AKA without any information regarding the fight, where and how is it going to happen. Then the UFC told us that the fight 100% isn’t happening in the States. And they said that 99% that it will happen in Emirates, Abu Dhabi,” he said (transcript from RT Sport).
”After talking to the UFC we decided to fly over to the Emirates a month before the fight. I don’t remember the exact date, it was 19th or 20th, I’ll have to check.”
“But when we landed in Emirates we learned that they are going to close borders. And no one will be able to leave or fly in, with exception for residents. So we had to fly back to Russia.”
“Currently I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day. Although I don’t know what am I preparing for.”
“Because after we came to Russia we also learned that the borders are going to be locked. Same like in the States, same like in Europe, Emirates, everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now.”
Fight Curse
With Russia tightening its travel restrictions, the UFC is now planning to hold the UFC 249 event without Khabib, according to the lightweight champion himself.
”So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me. OK, go ahead,” Khabib claimed.
“Everyone should follow the laws. I am not against it, I know that fighters need to feed their families and pay their bills. I know how hard it is for the fighter. Unless they fight they aren’t getting any money.”
“I am even hearing that they are looking for an opponent for Tony, because he is in the States and I am here in Russia.”
“But I am here not on my own will. The UFC told me that this fight 100% isn’t happening in the USA, and even if it’s not happening in the Emirates it will happen on this side of Atlantic.”
“We discussed everything with the UFC. By that time I already spent 5 weeks of hard training in the AKA.”
“Now I don’t really know what’s going on.”
(Featured Image Source: YouTube/ UFC and Instagram/ Khabib Nurmagomedov)