The clash between Tony Fergusson and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is not happening at UFC 249. Part of the reason is the current COVID-19 pandemic, making it impossible for The Eagle to get out of Russia. Most are on lockdown and travel restrictions are preventing Nurmagomedov to travel to the United States.
And while that is something that is not surprising, Fergusson is not buying it. He believes that he scared Nurmagomedov into facing him and believed that if the Russian wanted to fight, he would come up with something to get to New York. Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight, explaining on Instagram his situation.
"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," Nurmagomedov said.
Despite the coronavirus keeping most at home, UFC president Dana White intends to push through with UFC 249 despite the odds. A new venue is needed since holding it in New York is out of the question. Now, he is tasked to find a last-minute opponent for Fergusson who said that he will still be there fight night comes around. UFC 249 is set for Apr. 18. Unofficially, the name of Justin Gaethje has been mentioned as a possible replacement although no deal has been set in place as of this writing.
Fergusson is pretty upset about the match with Nurmagomedov not happening once more. It marks the fifth time that the Eagle has pulled out although Nurmagomedov truly has a legit reason for not being able to make it to UFC 249.
"He didn't want to take any of those chances. Everybody is taking risks trying to do it. He bailed out, man. It's pretty hard to explain, but he bailed out man," Fergusson said via ESPN.
Fergusson even called on the UFC to strip Nurmagomedov of his title for pulling out. It remains to be seen if White will even consider that call considering the governing conditions right now are beyond anyone's control.
Also, it remains to be seen if UFC 249 will go on as scheduled. With most people advised to stay indoors and establishment closed, it may make no sense for White to exert effort in pushing for the event. It is likely to be held in closed-doors but the real question is what venue would be willing to host UFC 249 this month.
