After rumors surfaced this morning about the possibility of Khabib Nurmagomedov getting special clearance to fly internationally for work, he took to Instagram to give an official statement on the matter for his fans and everyone interested in UFC 249.
“Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight, it turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine, governments of all countries, famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease, to save people, and Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight? – I understand everything and I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can’t control it all. The greatest countries and the largest companies of our time are shocked by what is happening, every day the situation changes unpredictably. But Khabib still has to fight, is that what you saying? – Take care of yourself and put yourself in my shoes,” said Khabib in the detailed IG post.
According to a previous statement made by Nurmagomedov, the UFC intends for find a relpacement for his opponent, Tony Ferguson.
At this time, nothing has been confirmed regarding the bout. With UFC 249 taking place in 18 days, it is tough to say whether or not the promotion will be able to successfully find a replacement for Ferguson.
Even bigger than looking for a replacement for Ferguson, the Pay-Per-View card is now in jeopardy as a whole. UFC president, Dana White, has stated on several occasions leading up to this event that he will do whatever it takes to keep the card intact.
