sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Khabib Vs. Ferguson Will Not Happen In Brooklyn Or Las Vegas Due To The Coronavirus Outbreak

Khabib Vs. Ferguson Will Not Happen In Brooklyn Or Las Vegas Due To The Coronavirus Outbreak

The huge lightweight title fight is scheduled for April 18.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

The highly-anticipated UFC title clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will not happen in Brooklyn or Las Vegas due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Dana White.

The UFC president provided an update on UFC events following the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

And he insists the promotion's events will go on despite the global illness, including the huge UFC 249 lightweight title bout which is scheduled for April 18.

White, though, is looking for a new location and venue for Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson with New York and Nevada out of the running.

However, he claims the fight will happen and tells fans not to worry about a potential FIFTH cancellation.

"Unless there's a total shutdown of the country where people can't leave their houses and things like that, these fights will happen," White said about the coronavirus situation.

"We're gonna move on. These guys will compete. We will find venues, and we will figure this thing out. I mean, the only thing that's gonna stop us is a complete government shutdown where everyone is confined to their homes."

Speaking about Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson, he added: "So, we had possibly a couple of different venues for that fight, including Nevada. So now the whole Nevada thing went down. We're looking for another venue.

"I hope by 10 o'clock (Sunday) morning I should have two venue options for that fight. That fight will happen. It will go on. The fans are all freaking out, but don't worry. That fight will happen"

UFC London, which was scheduled for next weekend, will no longer happen in England's capital, yet White is working on finding a new location and venue in America.

"Obviously things are changing by the hour. (Saturday) morning they announced new travel restrictions for the U.K. So the fight obviously can't continue in London, but the fight will go on.

"We're working on finding a new venue, likely in the United States, and I have my matchmakers working right now to put together the undercard. The bottom line is that fight is happening, and the main event will go on."

UFC had moved two of their fight cards to Las Vegas, but that is no longer feasible due to the Nevada State Athletic Commission's suspension on events.

"As of now, the (March 28 and April 11) fights can't happen at the Apex here in Las Vegas. We're working to find new locations, but the fights will go on," White added.

"They will continue. We're not stopping. We will keep finding a way to put on the fights. I'm in the fight business. I've been doing this for over 20 years, and this stuff happens to me every weekend. So, I'm used to this stuff. Not at this level obviously, but this is what we do. And we always make sure that the cards happen, and they will continue to happen."

UFC are working furiously behind the scenes to ensure their fights go ahead despite obstacles hurled in their way.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Khabib, UFC News, Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson, Fight News, UFC, MMA