UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was scheduled to defend the title against former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249, but Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight due to self-quarantining from the coronavirus.
Ferguson has already sounded off on Nurmagomedov’s withdrawal, saying that the lightweight champion should be stripped of his title.
Former two division UFC champion Conor McGregor is now sounding off on the situation, saying that Ferguson beat Nurmagomedov in their game of chicken.
McGregor made his feelings known via Twitter:
The fact of this matter is, both Tony and Khabib where engaged in a game of chicken here towards the fight bell. With Khabib chickening out first. Making it 3-2 in pullouts in Tony’s favour. Khab scurried out of the U.S to home, and amid the crisis. Very high risk.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 2, 2020
Congrats Tony.
Justin Gaethje is the reported replacement for Nurmagomedov at UFC 249, but nothing has been made official at this time.
UFC 249 takes place on Saturday, April 18 from a location to be announced with Tony Ferguson and an opponent to be announced headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
