LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 20: A general view of the Octagon during Dana White's Contender Series season three week nine at the UFC Apex on August 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC/Zuffa LLC)
UFC releases statement on UFC 249 event
UFC 249 had been scheduled to take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on April 18, but the recent COVID-19 situation has brought an end to those plans. On Wednesday, the New York State Athletic Commission released a statement that the event would not be taking place in New York, now the UFC has released their own statement.
In the statement published on UFC.com, the UFC announces that they plan to move forward with the UFC 249 event, but it won’t take place in Brooklyn, New York.
“The event will not take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as previously announced. The decision was made in accordance with guidance issued by the New York State Athletic Commission, as well as in accordance with restrictions by New York State limiting large public gatherings. Additional details, including location and venue, will be announced when confirmed. Barclays Center ticket holders may seek a full refund at the point of purchase. Internet and phone orders will be automatically cancelled and refunded. UFC looks forward to returning to Brooklyn at the earliest opportunity. “
While there was no given update as to where the fight could potentially take place, UFC President Dana White took to Twitter on Wednesday and posted a photo implying that he’d do whatever it must take to make sure the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson takes place.
LMFAO get ready everyone pic.twitter.com/9HZmErC1mB
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 18, 2020
There is still no indication if the UFC and Dana White will be able to make the lightweight title fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson, and if they are able to, there’s no telling where the event will take place. It’ll also be interesting to see if the relocation of the event effects any travel plans for the fighters who are on the fight card, if it does take place out of the country.
This will be the fifth attempt to make a fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson, so it makes sense that Dana White and the UFC are looking to find a way to absolutely make it happen, no matter where it takes place.
