The UFC 249 probably won’t have its headliner. The match between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will most likely be canceled, due to Russian’s issues with travel restrictions.
According to Khabib himself, the Russian government is closing its borders pretty soon, which means that he won’t be able to get out od the country. On the other hand, the chances for Ferguson to come in would also disappear.
Khabib addressed through Instagram yesterday, saying that all this isn’t his fault and that he received some information from the UFC, which eventually led to the current problem. The lightweight champ stated that he heard that the fight might be happening in the United Arab Emirates due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.
“The UFC told us that the fight 100 percent isn’t happening in the States. And they said that 99 percent that it will happen in (the United Arab) Emirates — Abu Dhabi.”
Because of that, Khabib and his team went to UAE, to continue their preparations for the fight, and to adjust to the environment. However, once arrived, they heard the news that the borders of this country would be closed soon, meaning that there won’t be any circumstances for the UFC 249 to take place. It forced the entire team to leave UAE, which is why Khabib eventually went back home.
The new situation did disrupt the plans of the UFC, but the event will proceed as planned, even if it means having a different headliner. The Russian Eagle knows that the organization is searching for someone to replace him, and he seems fine with it.
“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me. OK, go ahead,” he said. “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.”
Allegedly, the first option is Justin Gaethje. Some sources are saying that Ferguson personally offered Gaethje an opportunity of stepping in instead of Khabib. There wasn’t any official confirmation of this, and also, the 32-year old still didn’t respond.
Dustin Poirier’s name was also mentioned in several places. After losing against Khabib at the UFC 242 in September last year, he didn’t have any fights and he might be available.
Many believe that the organization might replace the headliner and add some other fight instead. The sources from within UFC hinted that there had been some efforts to book Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal fight. Masvidal responded through his Twitter account that he would be “free” on April 18, while Usman called out Gamebred to join him on one live chat.
Also, Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley sent an offer to UFC to arrange their fight. Both these guys are willing to jump in and face one another, even though there isn’t enough time to prepare thoroughly.
Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik is also a potential headliner. This contest was already booked, but had to be canceled due to the current pandemic. However, it became an option once again.
We might see several fights added to the already existing card, which would be even better. Dana White would, for sure, make it profitable for all sides. Having several big-name matches, in combination with the current global situation, would no doubt make this one of the most-watched events of all-times.
