The much-awaited title showdown of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will no longer take place at Barclays Center in New York.
This after the New York State Athletic Commission on Wednesday made the official announcement on the cancellation of the UFC 249 pay-per-view event, originally slated for April 18.
The move was highly expected by many as the state currently has the second most number of coronavirus cases in the United States with 1871 as of March 18.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in line with recent guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control and New York State, the New York State Athletic Commission informed the UFC that UFC 249 cannot be held in NY.,” the athletic commission stated (via MMA Fighting).
The recent announcement is another major blow to the promotion, who had to postpone its next three fight night events due to the soaring coronavirus fears.
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Moving Forward
But the promotion is determine to make the lightweight title fight happen, after being scrapped in four previous ocassions due to freak injuries and health issues.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, the UFC officials said they are continuing to search for different venue outside New York.
“UFC is planning to move forward with UFC 249: KHABIB VS. FERGUSON in April.”
“The event will not take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as previously announced. The decision was made in accordance with guidance issued by the New York State Athletic Commission, as well as in accordance with restrictions by New York State limiting large public gatherings.
“Additional details, including location and venue, will be announced when confirmed. Barclays Center ticket holders may seek a full refund at the point of purchase.”
“Internet and phone orders will be automatically cancelled and refunded. UFC looks forward to returning to Brooklyn at the earliest opportunity.”
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Send Location
Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov, who will be defending the 155-pound belt for the third-straight time, is confident Dana White will soon find a new location for the fight.
“Next couple of days, Dana’s going to send us location,” Khabib said.
”We need maximum 100 people inside the arena,” he said. “Close the arena, 100 healthy people come inside and make the show.”
“Put the camera on pay-per-view, and everybody can fight. People who are quarantined and (are sitting) home, they’ll have fun and watch fights.
”I think we just need 100 people to make this fight. Put the camera on and show who’s the best lightweight of all time.”
“This is a very important fight, and this is why I like the UFC’s politics. They always try to make the best versus the best.”
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