Following the NYSAC deeming that UFC 249 will not be held in Brooklyn, NY next month due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC has announced that the show will go on. Wednesday evening, UFC officials released a statement addressing the athletic commission’s decision — and it appears they have no intention of allowing Khabib vs. Ferguson to be cancelled a fifth time.
“UFC is planning to move forward with UFC 249: KHABIB VS. FERGUSON in April,” the statement read.
“The event will not take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as previously announced,” it continued. “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.”
UFC 249 is still a month away, as it was originally scheduled for April 18. Three previous events, the cards in London, Columbus, and Portland, have already been postponed.
In addition to the lightweight title fight between champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and longtime contender Tony Ferguson, the card features Rose Namajunas in a rematch against the woman who previously defeated her for the strawweight title, Jessica Andrade.
Where the show lands, however, is up in the air, as much of the globe is currently on lockdown. Whether that will have changed a month from now remains to be seen.
