Published 13:41 IST, April 2nd 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov officially pulls out of UFC 249 with emotional message: Watch
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has officially pulled out from the main event of UFC 249 'Khabib vs Ferguson' with an emotional message.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
While UFC fans were still hoping for UFC 249 ‘Khabib vs Ferguson’ to fall in place on April 18, lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has officially pulled out from the fight in order to stay indoors during the coronavirus crisis. After revealing the current scenario of the Russia lockdown via Instagram Live, Khabib Nurmagomedov penned an emotional message to his fans through another social media post. According to the undefeated lightweight champion, he does not want to risk his life amidst the global outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and staying in quarantine is the only thing he would suggest his fans to do.
UFC 249 cancelled? Khabib vs Ferguson cancelled, Khabib pulls out of UFC 249
Initially, Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed he was worried about being stuck in Russia and said that he might miss out on UFC 249 since the international borders in Russia have been shut down. However, the much-awaited Khabib vs Ferguson fight got a potential lifeline after Russia allowed a few private flights to the USA. Though a lot of fans considered it to be a green signal for Khabib Nurmagomedv, the Dagestani champion revealed that he is not going to step out of Russia under any condition.
Despite claiming to be more than upset, Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that everyone must stay in isolation until government bodies announce anything positive from their side. On the other hand, UFC president Dana White is reportedly adamant about hosting UFC 249 with or without Khabib Nurmagomedov. According to reports, Justin Gaethje has already been offered to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov opposite Tony Ferguson at the main event to avoid a UFC 249 cancelled scenario.
Also Read | UFC 249 cancelled? Justin Gaethje Being Mooted To Replace Khabib Nurmagomedov At UFC 249 Khabib Vs Ferguson
UFC 249 cancelled? Daniel Cormier reacts on Khabib vs Ferguson, Khabib stuck in Russia
According to Daniel Cormier, Khabib vs Ferguson is a cursed fight that has been lined up five times in four years but got cancelled every time. In the recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Cormier said that he does not expect the fight to happen ever in his lifetime. UFC fans are equally disappointed about the cancellation of Khabib vs Ferguson, as they took to social media to voice their frustrations.
Also Read | UFC 249 cancelled? Khabib Nurmagomedov Defeats Tony Ferguson In Official UFC Simulation Game
(Image courtesy: UFC.com)
Updated 13:41 IST, April 2nd 2020