UFC 249 fight card official – Justin Gaethje takes Khabib’s place in the fight against Tony Ferguson

BY MARCEL MARIAK

After weeks of running in circles with its metaphorical hair on fire, the UFC has finally managed to sort out the schedule and fight card for UFC 249, to be held on April 18, 2020!

UFC 249 was the event that was supposed to host the highly anticipated showdown between the reigning lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and former lightweight interim champion, Tony Ferguson. The fight was canceled on four previous occasions due to multiple injuries and weight-cutting issues between the two fighters. In the weeks leading up to UFC 249, both fighters looked strong and engaged in the usual pre-fight trash talk. Unfortunately, just as the showdown seemed certain, it was once again cancelled; this time, by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The old problem

As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads rapidly in the United States, it has forced the shutdown of most non-essential American businesses and events. As a result, many reasonably feared that the long-awaited showdown between Khabib and Ferguson would also be canceled. Surprisingly, UFC President, Dana White was adamant that the bout would continue as scheduled but would be held at an undisclosed location and sealed to fans.

During this time, the fighters were also allegedly informed that the fight would not be taking place in the United States. Naturally, Khabib went back to his hometown in Dagestan, Russia, to prepare for the battle. Unfortunately, the UFC had a change of heart and decided that the event would, in fact, take place in America. During the same time, Russia declared a closing of its borders and airspace to all non-essential travel. As a result, Khabib is now stuck thousands of miles away from the venue with no hope of getting out.

With fighters confused and fans enraged, the UFC hastily threw together a new main event in an attempt to remedy the situation.

The solution

With the UFC 249 event fast approaching, it’s nearly impossible to find a professional fighter that’s willing to step into the cage on a one-week-notice. Fortunately, the roster does have some hardcore fighters that are ready to fight at a moment’s notice. One of these outstanding warriors is Justin Gaethje, who agreed to replace the stranded Khabib and step into the cage against Ferguson.

The new problem

While MMA enthusiasts are happy with UFC 249 being officially confirmed, the matchup still leaves many fans cold. The sad truth is that the fight puts Tony Ferguson’s career as a fighter at significant risk. As the current top contender in the lightweight division, Ferguson’s next match should be a challenge for the belt. Unfortunately, he will only be fighting for the interim championship against the #4 ranked Gaethje next week.

While the statistics and rankings show that Ferguson should be able to beat Gaethje and continue his challenge for the championship belt, MMA is a sport where the numbers often lie. If Ferguson loses the fight, has a poor performance, or sustains an injury during the battle, he may miss his chance at becoming the lightweight champion.

Fans disappointed

Overall, MMA fans aren’t too thrilled about the new main event. While it will see two impressive fighters stepping into the cage, it’s a severe downgrade from the highly anticipated legendary showdown. Ferguson is a mighty and capable warrior and has a high chance of beating Gaethje without too much of a struggle. On the other hand, Gaethje is also an extremely dangerous fighter; and MMA is a sport where the result of a fight and consequences on a fighter’s health and career are decided in the blink of an eye. It would be a shame to see Ferguson lose his chance at the title because of a judge’s poor decision or injury.

Nearly all MMA fans are cheering on Ferguson for a decisive win and continuation of his challenge for the title. Ferguson will likely be able to put Gaethje away without too much of a struggle. Unfortunately, there’s an even higher chance that he’ll sustain an injury in the process, and his fight against Khabib will be delayed or cancelled once again.