UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is scheduled to defend his title against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 later this month.
Fans are worried that the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. which is scheduled to take place on April 18, might not happen due to recently imposed travel restrictions amid growing concerns over the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus.
UFC president Dana White has assured the fans that this fight will happen on April 18 as planned, although it will have to take place at a different location than originally planned. UFC 249 was originally scheduled to take place in Brooklyn, New York. All large gatherings were recently banned in the state in an attempt to control the spread of COVID-19.
The company having been dealing with the issues in the best way the can, with their last event at UFC Brasilia being converted to a closed-door event. It took place earlier this month and was the first event in UFC history to feature bouts with no fans in attendance.
Following that event, UFC were forced to take further measures, which resulted in the cancellation of their next 3 events.
Understandably, the fans are worried that the highly anticipated fight between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson could once again be cancelled.
The pair have been booked to fight 4 times in the past, with the bout falling through each time. Both men have pulled out from the fight 2 times, due to injuries and other health complications.
Nurmagomedov recently talked about the future of this fight, revealing that he may not be able to leave his country due to recently imposed travel restrictions.
However, the fans will be pleased to learn that Nurmagomedov might be able to travel after all. A recent report from a Russian media website has surfaced, which shows a statement from the Federal Air Transport Agency regarding Nurmagomedov’s situation.
The report states that:
“In order for Khabib to be able to fly to the United States in a private jet, the company whose services he intends to use must obtain permission to fly from Russia and to arrive in the United States. There are no restrictions for business aviation on departure from Russia.”
Undoubtedly, these are very good news for fight fans everywhere. It still remains to be seen whether Khabib Nurmagomedov will actually be able to travel from Russia at this time.
UFC are still to announce the new location for UFC 249. In a recent statement, UFC president Dana White said that he has “four or five locations” for the event, but nothing has been officially announced as of now.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov recently suggested that the event might be relocated to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 1st April, 2020.
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