For now, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will sit, train as much as he can and wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to quiet down.
Nurmagomedov was scheduled to defend his title this coming weekend at UFC 249 against Tony Ferguson before a series of events led to the cancellation of the bout.
Of course, this is far from the first time that Nurmagomedov and Ferguson have been scheduled and scrapped.
With the UFC putting a hold on all events after a meeting with Disney and ESPN executives, Nurmagomedov has a potential return date in mind.
“But September is not so far away, even though it’s hard to believe that everything will end by September, but still one serious person said that in peacetime it is necessary to prepare for war.”
The unbeaten Nurmagomedov won the title from Al Iaquinta after it was declared vacant. He defended it vs. Conor McGregor and unified the belts with a win over Dustin Poirier.
Tony Ferguson Proceeding With Fight Prep
As for his potential – and likely opponent, Ferguson, he remains working and training to compete for gold.
Ferguson previously held the interim UFC lightweight title. He was set to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 for that same belt before the show was axed.
“Still workin’ gonna make weight by Friday. It’s a TUF thing.”
“Still?Workin’” Gonna Make Weight By Friday #ChampionshipWeight 155lbs ?⚾️ It’s A TUF Thing ? Champ Shit Only™️ #ufc249 ????? Keep Grindin’ Crew ?? pic.twitter.com/BqL874mVOg
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 11, 2020
“Ready For Weight Cut” Road?Dawg “Knuckles” Batting⚾️Clean?Up ?? @perfecting_athletes W/ The Assist ?? # AirIsUp # SnapIntuit? It’s A TUF Thing ? Media Throughout The Week, Stay?Tuned -CSO- ????? Guess How Much I Weigh? @vitagoodshome # Back2School Learn?Moar #ufc249 pic.twitter.com/0zjWWsEaJT
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 13, 2020
For now, we will wait and see what plans the UFC puts into place as far as fights and championship bouts through 2020.