Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson Handed Lifeline By Russia’s Air Transport Agency

KhabibKhabib Nurmagomedov could still be able to face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 according to Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency. The lightweight champion Nurmagomedov previously announced he would be unable to make the trip stateside due to travel bans in his native Russia. Speaking about his travel issues on Instagram earlier this week, he said. […]

Khabib

Khabib Nurmagomedov could still be able to face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 according to Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency.

The lightweight champion Nurmagomedov previously announced he would be unable to make the trip stateside due to travel bans in his native Russia. Speaking about his travel issues on Instagram earlier this week, he said.

“Currently, I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day, although I don’t know what am I preparing for. Because after we came to Russia we also learned that the borders are going to be locked. Same like in the States, same like in Europe, Emirates, everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now.”

Since this announcement, several fighters have offered to fill in for the champion and face Ferguson at UFC 249. However the Air Transport Agency in Russia believes Nurmagomedov could still make the trip to America despite the travel ban, they said.

“For Khabib to be allowed to fly to the US on a private jet, the flight company whose services he intends to use, should obtain a permit for flying out of Russia and for arrival in the USA,” the Agency announced, Sport Express reported.

“The companies which provide private air travel usually know which documents the passenger needs to have so that they will be granted entry on arrival at the border.”

Although the undefeated champion won’t have any issues leaving the country he may well have troubling re-entering Russia after his fight on April 18.

“There are currently no restrictions on business aviation from Russia. Upon the availability of approval, the aircraft will be able to fly to the US.

“But there are restrictions on arrival which were confirmed on Monday at the meeting of the Russian government’s Operational headquarters for the prevention of the spread of a new coronavirus infection. Consequently, Khabib could have separate problems with re-entering.” (Transcribed by RT)

Do you think Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight Tony Ferguson on April 18 at UFC 249?

Why Delaying UFC 249 Makes Sense for Both UFC and Dana White

With the coronavirus tightening its vice grip on the whole of humanity, we’re all re-learning that there are some things we simply can’t outrun…

With the coronavirus tightening its vice grip on the whole of humanity, we’re all re-learning that there are some things we simply can’t outrun…

Jorge Masvidal Offers To Save UFC 249

MasvidalJorge Masvidal is looking to save UFC 249. Earlier on Monday morning, Khabib Nurmagomedov took to Instagram Live to announce he is stuck in Russia and the event may go on without him. It is a massive blow for MMA fans who were eagerly anticipating Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson after it has been booked four times […]

Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal is looking to save UFC 249.

Earlier on Monday morning, Khabib Nurmagomedov took to Instagram Live to announce he is stuck in Russia and the event may go on without him. It is a massive blow for MMA fans who were eagerly anticipating Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson after it has been booked four times in the past. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears it has been canceled for the fifth time.

“Currently, I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day,” Nurmagomedov said on Instagram Live. “Although I don’t know what am I preparing for because after we came to Russia we also learned that the borders are going to be locked. Same as in the States, the same as in Europe, Emirates, everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now.

“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me,” Nurmagomedov continued. “OK, go ahead. Everyone should follow the laws. I am not against it, I know that fighters need to feed their families and pay their bills. I know how hard it is for the fighter. Unless they fight they aren’t getting any money. I am even hearing that they are looking for an opponent for Tony because he is in the States and I am here in Russia.”

Given Nurmagomedov and Ferguson is most likely off, Masvidal took to Twitter to say he is willing to fight on April 18 to save the card.

“April 18 I’m free #theresurrection,” Masvidal tweeted.

The BMF champion quickly followed that up to say Kamaru Usman has also been given the date of April 18 but it appears the welterweight champ isn’t interested.

“Second time I say yes to the crotch sniffing champ, second time he has a date #theressurection,” he added.

Jorge Masvidal and Usman have a rivalry brewing and even got into a verbal scrap at Radio Row during Super Bowl week. It seems likely the two are on a collision course but it could happen sooner than most expect.

What do you make of Jorge Masvidal offering to save UFC 249?

Tony Ferguson Claims Khabib Nurmagomedov Is ‘Hiding’ From Him

Tony Ferguson believes Khabin Nurmagomedov could fight him on April 18 if he truly wants. Earlier on Monday morning, Nurmagomedov took to Instagram Live to announce he is stuck in Russia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the scrap against Ferguson seem…

Tony Ferguson believes Khabin Nurmagomedov could fight him on April 18 if he truly wants. Earlier on Monday morning, Nurmagomedov took to Instagram Live to announce he is stuck in Russia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, the scrap against Ferguson seems unlikely to happen on April 18. But, for “El Cucuy” he believes the […]

The post Tony Ferguson Claims Khabib Nurmagomedov Is ‘Hiding’ From Him appeared first on MMA News.

REPORT | Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje In The Works For UFC 249

Ferguson, Justin GaethjeThe UFC is hoping to make Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje as the new main event for their card scheduled for April 18. ‘El Cucuy’ was supposed to fight lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for the title but that is now unlikely due to travel restrictions in the 155lb titleholder’s homeland of Russia. Top lightweight contender […]

Ferguson, Justin Gaethje

The UFC is hoping to make Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje as the new main event for their card scheduled for April 18.

‘El Cucuy’ was supposed to fight lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov for the title but that is now unlikely due to travel restrictions in the 155lb titleholder’s homeland of Russia.

Top lightweight contender Justin Gaethje is riding a three-fight winning streak and has been calling for a title shot for some time. ‘The Highlight’ may well get the next best thing by filling in at UFC 249 in one of the biggest fights in MMA history.

In a series of social media posts ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani reacted to news of Nurmagomedov’s potential withdrawal from the card, introduced Gaethje as a likely replacement and also spoke other options that have been considered by the UFC, he said.

“Khabib Nurmagomedov confirmed in an IG live chat
earlier today that he is in Russia and can’t leave because they have closed
their borders. He also said UFC has told him they are looking at another
opponent for Tony Ferguson because the fight can’t be made now.”

“(RT Sport first translated Nurmagomedov’s chat.)
According to sources, UFC is aware of Nurmagomedov’s status and have now begun
looking at alternate plans for the April 18 main event and card, which they are
still determined to put on.”

“As a result, Tony Ferguson, per sources, has been
offered a fight against top contender Justin Gaethje, however, that fight has
not been agreed upon nor finalized. Neither has a location for the event.”

“UFC has also briefly considered trying to book usman v masvidal for April 18 but that is not looking likely at the moment, sources say.”

As of right now, nothing is official from the UFC, who have been working around the clock to make UFC 249 happen despite the coronavirus pandemic and media backlash.

This story is still breaking. Stay tuned to LowKickMMA.com for all the updates as they happen.