Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson will go ahead behind closed doors, insists UFC president Dana White
Lightweight champion has returned to Russia ahead of the bout due to take place on 18 April
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UFC president Dana White insists Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s highly anticipated bout against Tony Ferguson, scheduled to take place on 18 April, will go head ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Initially set to take place in New York, White is adamant the fight will be held behind closed doors, despite Nurmagomedov leaving his training camp to return to Russia amid the outbreak.
“I do (know where it is),” White said on Instagram. “But I’m not ready to tell you yet. I know lots of things. … There’s not going to be any fans there. It’s going to be a closed event.”
Lightweight champion Nurmagomedov, who has only fought once since defeating Conor McGregor in August 2018, had been training in San Jose, California.
However, his manager Rizvan Magomedov confirmed Nurmagomedov would remain in Russia for the foreseeable future, while the fighter himself questioned the uncertainty around the bout.
“’We can’t understand what is happening at all,” he wrote. “Where are we fighting and are we fighting at all?’
“What about the weight and the venue of the battle? UFC 249 what are you?”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments