Khabib Nurmagomedov

If Dana White does manage, somehow, somewhere, to hold UFC 249, increasingly it’s not looking like Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Tony Ferguson will be part of it. The lightweight champ Nurmagomedov recently confirmed that he is in fact, still in Russia, following that nation’s decision to enact a travel ban.

Nurmagomedov confirms he’s stranded in Russia

Recently it was reported that Khabib and his team decided to head back to Dagestan and Russia, and complete his training camp for the Ferguson fight. But, more recently, it was announced that Russia, like many other nations, has also temporarily banned travel in and out of the nation, due to the coronavirus pandemic,

UFC fighter Magomed Ankalaev reported that he had heard the lightweight champ had left Russia, before the ban became active. But, it turns out that’s not the case.

During a recent Instagram Live session, not only did Khabib confirm he’s still in Russia, he also relayed he’s heard the UFC’s is looking at new opponents for Ferguson (quotes via RT Sport).

“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 19th or 20th, I’ll have to check. But when we landed in Emirates we learned that they are going to close borders. And no one will be able to leave or fly in, with exception for residents.

“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.”

“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% isn’t happening in the USA, and even if it’s not happening in the Emirates it will happen on this side of Atlantic. We discussed everything with the UFC. By that time I already spent 5 weeks of hard training in the AKA.”

Is that a wrap on the fifth booking?

So, unless the Russian Government permits Khabib to leave the country, or they lift the travel ban soon, which seems pretty unlikely, it’s hard to imagine Nurmagomedov – Ferguson taking place at UFC 249. If in fact, the event does happen (and debate as to whether the UFC should even be trying to hold an event right now, aside).

Khabib and Tony have been booked to fight five times now, and four times, the fight was canceled due to medical issues or injuries. Is a fifth cancellation about to happen?

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