UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov says he will miss defence against Tony Ferguson by staying in quarantine

Challenger called for the Dagestani to be stripped of his belt if he does not compete

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has said he is out of his scheduled title defence against Tony Ferguson on 18 April at UFC 249 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Undefeated Nurmagomedov has been set to take on Ferguson on four previous occasions, with the highly-anticipated contest falling through on each one. It now seems destined to be axed for a fifth time.

On Wednesday, Nurmagomedov wrote in an Instagram post that he would stay in quarantine in Russia like “the whole world”.

“I understand everything and I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight,” Nurmagomedov (28-0) said.

“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.”

Ferguson (25-3), meanwhile, called for Nurmagomedov to be stripped of his championship if he does not compete.

“He obviously knew what he could do to help save this card,” Ferguson told ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“He didn’t want to take any of those chances. Everybody is taking risks trying to do it. He bailed out, man. It’s pretty hard to explain, but he bailed out, man.”

Numerous UFC cards have been postponed due to the outbreak, but the promotion’s president Dana White has been adamant about delivering Nurmagomedov vs Ferguson.

That said, alternative opponents have reportedly been offered to Ferguson.

It is unclear where the fight or event would take place, but no fans will be allowed to attend even if it does go ahead.