Khabib Nurmagomedov has decided to return to Russia to finish the remainder of his training camp for UFC 249.
The current coronavirus outbreak has forced most of the world to take extreme precautions in the best interest of everyone’s health. Most countries are urging their people to self-quarantine in order to help contain the virus. While most sports organizations have suspended their seasons and activities, for the time being, the UFC seems adamant on pressing on.
Although a few UFC events have been postponed, UFC president Dana White suggests he’s going to do everything possible to make sure Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson happens. The highly anticipated fight has been canceled four times in the past before this fifth booking, and can’t seem to catch a break. Both Nurmagomedov and Ferguson’s injury history have prevented the bout from happening. Now, a global pandemic might be the reason we don’t see it this time.
As mentioned, White is willing to take the fight anywhere in the world to make it happen. Due to the current state of the United States, which has banned mass gatherings, Russian news outlet TASS reports that Nurmagomedov has returned to his native country to finish his training camp. Teammate Daniel Cormier noted in a recent interview on “UFC Unfiltered” that American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) remained open exclusively for Nurmagomedov to train in. However, it looks like he has instead opted to return to Russia to finish out camp.
Coach Javier Mendez did mention that Abu Dhabi could be a potential landing spot for the fight. If that’s the case, it’s a shorter flight for Nurmagomedov to make for the contest. Of course, it will be quite the journey for the California-based Ferguson.
