Coronavirus: I ask Dana White for location everyday – Khabib still ready to fight Ferguson

Sacha Pisani
April 3, 2020 05:34 MYT
Khabib Nurmagomedov has not given up hope of facing Tony Ferguson in their blockbuster lightweight title bout, insisting he will "100 per cent" fight if he can travel from Russia.

Khabib appeared to announce this month's UFC 249 blockbuster had been postponed for the fifth time due to the coronavirus pandemic via social media on Wednesday, with travel restrictions preventing the Russian superstar from entering the United States and Dubai.

Unbeaten UFC lightweight champion Khabib was due to face American Ferguson on April 18, but the COVID-19 outbreak meant the event could not take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with president Dana White looking for an alternate location.

However, Khabib (28-0) is eyeing an August date if the upcoming clash is officially called off.

"June, July, two months, then August I can fight," Khabib told ESPN. "I hear the UFC wants to make a show in San Francisco [in August].

"If not, let's fight in Abu Dhabi middle of September. Or fight now, before Ramadan. April 18, we're supposed to fight, but where? This is the question."

Khabib – who dismissed talk of a rematch against Conor McGregor – added: "Every day I train… morning and night. Right now, I'm one of the biggest starts in UFC. I'm undefeated and undisputed lightweight champion. This isn't a regular fight. How can it be 16 days before a fight and I don't know location? This isn't professional.

"If I can come out from Russia, I'm going to fight 100 per cent. Just give me location. Everyday I send Dana White a message for location. Too much crazy stuff and questions, and no answer.

"I understand people are upset because this is a dream fight for fans. This is my dream fight. I lose my money, I lose so much money and things. Nobody lose like I lose."

#Mixed Martial Arts #UFC #Dana White #KHABIB #Tony Ferguson