ESPN
Champ shit only.
UFC 249 was canceled after Disney — parent company of ESPN — bowed to political pressure from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was more concerned about the spread of coronavirus than he was about the Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje interim title fight.
“The Highlight” replaced lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was stuck under quarantine in Russia.
Since Ferguson has the mind of a champion, or perhaps enjoys the pain of dehydration, he decided to proceed with his weight cut anyway. Risky business when you consider that “El Cucuy” may need to do it all over again for May 9, assuming the promotion can secure a suitable venue for its return to MMA.
The promotion’s APEX facility is currently on the table, with “Fight Island” and the state of Florida also in the running. UFC President Dana White, part of Donald Trump’s team of economic advisors (seriously), is still working out the finer details.
To see the latest May 9 fight card and line up click here.