"The UFC is already looking for Tony a new rival": the fight Nurmagomedov - Ferguson could break for the fifth time because of the closed borders

“I can’t fly away from here, and Tony is in the USA”

The battle between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson was one of the most anticipated sporting events of the spring, and until recently it seemed that it would take place, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Dana White, President of the Absolute Fighting Championship, assured that even after the ban on holding mass competitions in the United States, he continues to look for a new venue for the UFC 249 tournament, in which Russian and American were to meet.

In mid-March, Habib returned to Russia from the United States, where he continued preparations for the battle. Before the onset of March 30, he could leave his homeland, but did not do it, because of which many fans had a lot of questions.

The lightweight champion decided on March 30 to chat with Instagram followers. According to Nurmagomedov, during his stay at the American Academy of kickboxing with his team, he never had a clear understanding of whether the fight will take place at all, and if so, in what format. Later, information appeared from the UFC that the fight could not take place in America under any circumstances and with a high degree of probability the Russian would have to defend the title again in Abu Dhabi.

“After consulting with the UFC, we decided to go to the UAE. It was March 19 or 20. When we arrived there, they told us that the borders were closed and no one could get into the country. We had to return to Russia. Now I am in Dagestan, I prepare every day. But I don’t know why. It is forbidden to enter and leave the country, the whole world is in quarantine, ”Nurmagomedov explained.

The Russian fighter also noted that, according to him, the UFC, in connection with the current situation, has already begun to search Ferguson for a new rival.

“Now I heard that the UFC wants to hold a tournament in the United States. But I can neither fly out of the country, nor return to the States. I am in isolation. Negotiations are ongoing, but if I cannot take part, they will hold a tournament with or without me. However, let them organize, I do not mind. I am a supporter of the fact that the fighters can perform and earn a living, ”Nurmagomedov added.

And a little later it became known who exactly could become Tony's new opponent. The famous American journalist Ariel Helwani said that Kukuy was offered to meet with compatriot Dustin Gatzhi, but so far this match has not been agreed.

At the same time, Khabib once again confirmed that he was ready to fight Ferguson at any time and in any place, if circumstances do not interfere.

“I had moments in my sports career when I was injured, I was hospitalized when they sent me a contract to fight for the belt, and then they canceled it. I thought it was bad, but in the end it turned out that everything was fine. I am the reigning UFC champion, ”concluded the Russian.

Meanwhile, the father and trainer of the fighter Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov also admitted that he did not know how events would develop. In his opinion, at the moment, sport in the world has faded into the background.

“Is it worth it to endure the battle? Let's wait. What I don’t know, I won’t comment. If we talk about whether the fight should take place, then I think we should follow the recommendations. These are more important things for people, ”quotes Nurmagomedov Sr. Sport24.

He also said that he did not consider the UFC guilty of a possible transfer of the match. The coach emphasized that the promotion was not to blame for the current situation in the world, and the fans could only enter the situation.

The American himself can only resent. Tony, for his part, accused Habib of cowardice.

“Habib, April 18 is approaching, and you are hiding in Russia. The flight ban won't stop me from kicking your ass. Do not even think of using this as an excuse for refusing. You’ve been sent many places to choose from - name one, ”Ferguson wrote on Twitter.

April 18 Is Getting Close @TeamKhabib & You're Hiding In Russia. Travel Bans Will Not Prevent Me From Whoopin 'That Ass. Don't Use It As An Excuse To Back Out. You Have Been Sent Many Locations, Send Us 1. Still My Bitch #DefendorVacate MF ⚾️ -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # ufc249 @ ufc @ danawhitepic.twitter.com / TVQH4mnG2e

At the moment, fans can only wait for the official announcement from White. But another thing is interesting, a couple of days ago the head of the promotion assured that he had “four to five options” for holding the tournament.

In the meantime, everything goes to the fact that the battle between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson will be canceled for the fifth time in a row. The first time they were to meet back in December 2015, but then the fight did not take place due to a broken rib in a native of Dagestan. Six months later, the American failed his health - he found fluid in his lungs.

In March 2017, they managed without damage, but at the stage of weight loss, Nurmagomedov had serious kidney problems and the medical commission did not allow him to fight. A year later, parity for absenteeism in the "cage" was restored. Ferguson managed to tear the ligaments on his knee, tripping over a wire in a television studio.

In Russia, the possible cancellation of the battle caused a serious resonance. The head of the promotion company M-1 Global, Vadim Finkelstein, noted that it was necessary to think about the departure in advance and suggested transferring the match to Belarus, where the national hockey and football championships have not yet been stopped.

“Because of the coronavirus, many countries have closed their borders. Therefore, it was necessary to do something earlier. For example, fly to a state where the coronavirus is not so common. In an extreme case, you could try sending Khabib a private flight. It is very disappointing that they did not think about this in advance and did nothing. The fight will be interesting anyway. Therefore, when the situation with coronavirus is normalized, it makes sense to conduct it, ”Finkelstein quotes“ Championship ”.

The first Russian UFC champion Oleg Taktarov reacted much more sharply. Known for his critical remarks against Nurmagomedov, the specialist accused Khabib of cunning and said that he could very well leave the country.

“Nobody forbade private aviation with us. They may ask the president to let them out of the country. Any businessman can help with this. I don’t want to discuss this topic, as some people are waiting for harsh statements in order to procrastinate and discuss all this, but Khabib has a lot of fans and support among businessmen, ”Taktarov said.

Finally, the former world boxing champion, and at the moment, State Duma deputy Nikolai Valuev emphasized that the fight in the current realities is inappropriate.

“Does it make sense to organize a tournament without Habib? Is there any sense at all in a global pandemic to hold a mass event? It's like a feast during a plague. Everything is canceled, but here what? Do you need a special invitation? What place do the battle organizers think? Apparently, the one that is closer to the pocket, ”said Valuev.