The Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson fight is cancelled for the fifth time and mixed martial arts fans went wild on social media.
Nurmagomedov, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has announced his withdrawal from the fight card as he decided to stay in quarantine in Russia amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight,” Khabib wrote on Instagram.
“It turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine, governments of all countries, famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease, to save people, and Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight?”
“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.”
“The greatest countries and the largest companies of our time are shocked by what is happening, every day the situation changes unpredictably.”
“But Khabib still has to fight, is that what you saying? Take care of yourself and put yourself in my shoes.”
Following the announcement, some MMA fans were quick to criticize the undefeated Russian for his decision, saying he’s scared to face ‘El Cucuy.’
But with the world currently battling the COVID-19 outbreak, some fans believe Khabib made the right decision to stay.
What do you think of Khabib’s withdrawal from UFC 249?
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov)