Khabib Nurmagomedov is seeking a new date for his clash with Tony Ferguson.
Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson in August?
The UFC lightweight champion is in a tough situation. He ended up in Russia and probably won’t be able to fight any time soon due to the measures imposed by the government, who is trying to fight COVID-19 pandemic.
The undefeated champion stated recently that he wants to fight and that all this wasn’t his fault. Nevertheless, after hearing many comments that he “bailed out” of this fight, and Ferguson’s most recent requests that the UFC takes away his belt, Nurmagomedov immediately responded. He wants to fight Ferguson anytime after all this settles down, and after his fasting period expires.
Khabib is a devoted Muslim, and fasting during the month of Ramadan is something he always practices. This year it falls between 23rd April and 23rd May, and according to his words, after that expires, he will be ready for fighting already in August.
“June, July, two months, then August I can fight,” Nurmagomedov told.
Just to remind you, if this bout needs to be canceled, it would be the fifth time that these two fighters were forced not to go against one another. During the previous four occasions, Khabib’s problems were the reason for such an outcome once, and in three situations, Ferguson was prevented from stepping inside the ring.
It is possibly the reason why the Russian Eagle feels annoyed by all the trash talks coming from Ferguson’s side.
What Happens Next?
Khabib says that he wants to fight and that he needs the location of the event. According to the Russian, his situation is complicated, but he believes that there could be a way for him to leave the country and to attend the contest. It is a bit different story than the one he had a few days ago in which he mentioned that he would oblige to quarantine rules.
Nurmagomedov also claims that he texts messages to Dana White every day, asking the UFC president about the location of the UFC 249.
All this is very confusing, not only for the fans but for the entire UFC community, which is pretty hyped because of the possibility of having a spectacle in these rough times. White is still not giving any pieces of information, either to the fans or the fighters.
The only thing which seems that it could be valid is the offer to Justin Gaethje to step in and replace Khabib. The Highlight was allegedly offered Nurmagomedov’s spot, and the American accepted that. But still, nothing is official, and that is why nobody is able to speak with confidence about the future of the event.
One thing is sure. Dana White stated that the UFC 249 would happen. The reasons for that are numerous, starting with the financial ones, and followed by many others. Among them is the one which suggests that the UFC might rise to the status of the most popular global competitions, sides by the side with NBA, NFL, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, etc.
