Khabib reveals that he is stuck in Russia, Ferguson likely to get new opponent

30 March 2020

The most anticipated showdown between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson is on the verge of getting cancelled for the fifth time.

The development came after reigning Lightweight champion Khabib revealed that he is under lockdown in Russia and that UFC might go ahead with UFC 249 with or without him.

The Russian revealed the same during an Instagram live video and you can see the translation of the same courtesy of RT Sports.

“We were training at (American Kickboxing Academy) without any information regarding the fight – where and how is it going to happen.  Then 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. 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 (March) 19 or 20. I’ll have to check. But when we landed in Emirates, we learned that they are going to close (the) borders and no one will be able to leave or fly in with (the) exception of residents,” Khabib said.

Khabib then went on to add that he is currently in Dagestan and preparing for the fight. Russia, however, is currently under lockdown due to the Coronavirus situation.

“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,” Khabib continued.

The most shocking update from Khabib, however, was that UFC was potentially going ahead with UFC 249 with or without him with options being presented to Tony Ferguson.

“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me. OK, go ahead,” he said. “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 percent isn’t happening in the USA, and even if it’s not happening in the Emirates, it will happen on this side of (the) Atlantic,” Khabib added.

What do you think of the whole situation? Let us know in the comments below.