Khabib Nurmagomedov confirms he is OUT of UFC 249 fight with Tony Ferguson in emotional Instagram post
Khabib Nurmagomedov has confirmed he will NOT be fighting on April 18, thus quashing any faint hopes he could face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.
The reigning lightweight champion was set to defend his belt in Brooklyn against 'El Cucuy' at the Barclays Center .
However, given the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York and the devastating effect it has had on the globe, the fight was plunged into serious jeopardy.
Despite claims by president Dana White the fight could take place without fans in a completely sterile venue, the Russian has since taken to his social media channels to confirm he will not be taking part at all.
He wrote: "Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight, it turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine, governments of all countries, famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease, to save people, and Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight?
"I understand everything and I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can’t control it all.
"The greatest countries and the largest companies of our time are shocked by what is happening, every day the situation changes unpredictably.
"But Khabib still has to fight, is that what you saying? - Take care of yourself and put yourself in my shoes."
The 31-year-old returned to Dagestan to complete his camp after training at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
His plan was to relocate to Abu Dhabi in the hope the fight could be rescheduled there, but was then informed the Emirates were going to enforce a similarly draconian lockdown on flights in and out of the country.
He has since returned to his own native country.
It leaves Ferguson in the lurch, somewhat, as this is the fifth time the fight has been cancelled with the 36-year-old approaching the end of his peak years.
Reports of Justin Gaethje stepping in to replace 'The Eagle' and fight Ferguson have continued to swirl, but no official statement has been released by the UFC.