All signs point to [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] and [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] not fighting at UFC 249, and the combat sports world is doing a collective facepalm.
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has put much of the world on pause, the UFC was dead set on moving forward with Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) vs. Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC) despite four previously failed bookings. UFC president Dana White said he was close to confirming a venue, but then on Monday another significant wrench was thrown into the works.
Nurmagomedov is apparently unable to leave Russia due to the recently imposed travel ban, and now the UFC is reportedly scrambling for either a replacement to fight Ferguson, or a new main event all together.
The situation caused many reactions within the MMA community, and much of them were filed with the same disappointing tone. Check out the top Twitter reactions to Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson being in serious jeopardy.
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The curse strikes again? Travel bans have @TeamKhabib uncertain about fighting Tony Ferguson on April 18.#UFC249 | Full story: https://t.co/q93j0IdFVA pic.twitter.com/1PrR2l3ITG
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) March 30, 2020
Travel bans? @TonyFergusonXT says #UFC249 in jeopardy because @TeamKhabib is "hiding in Russia."
More: https://t.co/EnI8ZaXPGM pic.twitter.com/BM5RMrEVPO
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) March 30, 2020
Carole Baskin is the sole reason Khabib X Tony is in jeopardy.
— Darren Till (@darrentill2) March 30, 2020
I'll fight pic.twitter.com/DKpqclZZMr
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) March 30, 2020
100% yes https://t.co/hma6MU8ZcV
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) March 30, 2020
Cleanliness is very important in these times https://t.co/v8DRmhGkjv
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) March 30, 2020
It’s a swerve, don’t fall for it https://t.co/YY8apoY3F7
— King of the Tigers (@Benaskren) March 30, 2020
April 18 I’m free #theresurrection
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) March 30, 2020
Shut up Ali. Writing tweets for your client. The only thing I’m cutting off is your boys head. Wouldn’t take it on 7 weeks notice he’s not taking it on 2 weeks notice. Clout chasing just like the clout chasing fragile dude.
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) March 30, 2020
Start Cutting Weight MuthaFucka!!!
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) March 30, 2020
No one else wants to say so I will Tony vs khabib is the reason the corona virus 🦠happened mma gods ran out of reasons to halt this fight so it shut the world down…..
Fuuuuuuuccccccccckkkkkkkk— Terrion Flash Ware (@flashmma) March 30, 2020