ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 07: Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia is interviewed after his submission victory over Dustin Poirier of their light-weight championship bout throughout UFC 242 at The Enviornment on September 7, 2019 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC through Getty Photographs)

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See how Twitter reacted to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appearing to be forced out of his UFC 249 title defense against Tony Ferguson.

It was inevitable, wasn’t it? Despite UFC president Dana White’s attempts to keep UFC 249 afloat for the sake of finally getting the long-awaited Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson encounter, it appears Nurmagomedov, the current UFC lightweight champion, won’t be available to compete.

In a recent social media post, Nurmagomedov, who has been training in Russia, says he is unable to leave the country, as there is a lockdown in effect due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.

UFC 249, which is scheduled for April 18, is still without a known location, despite White’s recent claims he had secured a closed-door location and that he has “four or five options” proper now. The event was initially scheduled for the Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, NY, however had to be moved due to New York’s ongoing state of emergency due to the virus’ unfold.

“The UFC told us that the fight 100 percent isn’t happening in the U.S,” Nurmagomedov mentioned within the video (interprets by RT Sports.) “They said the 99 percent that it will happen in Abu Dhabi. So now I hear that the UFC is planning to hold the event in the U.S. They’re negotiating with one of the states to hold it there. At this moment I can’t fly out of Russia. They are looking to organize it with or without me.”

Ferguson, in the meantime, isn’t buying Nurmagomedov’s explanation.

See how Twitter reacted to Nurmagomedov’s announcement:

Bullshit, by no means thought I might say this, however I am questioning whether or not @TeamKhabib is utilizing the disaster to push again the @TonyFergusonXT combat, possibly khabib is injured?? ????

— elgen bob (@KVERNVOLLEN) March 30, 2020

Khabib ran away once more. Why would he go to Russia if he actually wished to combat.

— DeanAcer (@shez0024) March 30, 2020

First I doubt @RT_com actual intentions. Kabib lastly discovered a sound purpose?

— Lucid Dreaming???????? (@charithwwe) March 30, 2020

Non-public jets would be the answer.take constitution flight,Am positive UAE will welcome you,They are going to test all arrivals and make this combat occur.

— Abu kaisser (@KaisserAbu) March 30, 2020

Why would you fly again to Russia if you obtained a title combat in like 20 days?? Khabib obtained scared!!

— Mario (@El_Matador92) March 30, 2020

okay however like the place are you and the place is the combat? i feel it’s about time you ship location for a change.

— ღ reína ????// 29-0 ???? (@stylebended) March 30, 2020

Khabib went to russia and cant combat any more. so he is not tapping anybody.

— OHHH SHIT MMA???????? (@AverageJoe180) March 30, 2020

Studies now state Ferguson is being supplied a combat with Justin Gaethje for the brand new UFC 249 main event.

UFC 249 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, at a location to be introduced. Ought to the event happen, follow together with FanSided MMA for all of your stay results and highlights.

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