Coronavirus has successfully brought more than half the world to a complete standstill, including sporting events. Therefore forcing the UFC to cancel multiple events like UFC London, UFC Portland, and UFC Columbus. However, UFC 249 may just survive amidst the health pandemic with the likes of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, contributing to keep it alive.

After the announcements regarding the cancellations came out, Dana White went on to say that the UFC 249 will take place. UFC President claims that the UFC is doing everything in its power to keep the fight alive.

Relocation of UFC 249

The UFC is eager to remove the tag of ‘cursed’ off the fight between Khabib and Ferguson. Canceling the fight for the fifth time is a little hard to digest. So much so that even The Eagle’s father has come out with ideas to ensure that the fight takes place.

“Most likely it will be Dubai. Firstly, it’s easier to fight diseases because of the heat. And I think the Emirates will pay for the UFC fight faster and easier. Abu Dhabi may well be, but then, [that’s up to] Dana White. I can’t approve, but there are more chances there.”- Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov to RBC Sports

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Moving the event to another location seems rather inevitable, keeping in mind the ban on large gatherings in New York. There are a number of investors in the Middle East who are keen to host the event there. But the travel sanctions that have been imposed on several countries will make organizing the fight in foreign soil much more difficult and unlikely.

However, what isn’t unlikely is Khabib’s desire to finally take on Tony Ferguson. The Dagestani fighter and his team have come out on various platforms to confirm that the fight will definitely take place and that they can’t wait for it.

“Khabib feels great, everything is going according to plan. He is not afraid of the coronavirus, we are all mortals. What about empty stands? I think that the audience is good, but without them it is even better.”- Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

The undisputed Lightweight champion is so keen to face Ferguson that the presence of an audience does not matter to him. He is willing to take Ferguson on in an empty stadium.