UFC 249: What Happens Now?

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1983 days ago

As of March 30th, the proposed UFC 249 bout between Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) is set to be cancelled for a fifth time. This comes after Khabib spoke on Instagram Live. He mentioned a travel ban implemented in Russia, forbidding travel out of the country. Khabib returned to Russia, from his training camp at San Jose, to be closer to his family. Khabib was told that leaving America would not jeopardize the bout and that a location was already confirmed. So with Khabib supposedly off of the card, what happens next?

Keeping Tony On The Card

The UFC has explored some potential options for the new main event of UFC 249 if Khabib truly cannot make it. One of these was the late notice replacement, Justin Gaethje. Per ESPN"s Ariel Helwani, the UFC reached out to Gaethje, however, that fight nor that fight"s location have been finalised.

A New Main Event

There is no shortage of fighters willing to jump in on late notice to be the hero and save UFC 249. We will look at some of the fighters who have thrown their name in the hat, and who they may face off against.

Tyron Woodley

The former Welterweight King made it known that he is ready and prepared to fight on the card. Woodley was actually scheduled to compete early in March against Leon Edwards at UFC London. That fight was unfortunately scrapped due to travel complications and a late notice fight was not arranged. Since the cancellation of the London card, Tyron Woodley has been eager to return to the octagon, even willing to accept a replacement for Leon Edwards two weeks earlier.

Colby Covington

Covington went to Twitter shortly after news broke of Khabib"s travel issues to, once again, call out rival Tyron Woodley, who was mentioned earlier on this list. Colby first called out Woodley after Leon Edwards suffered the same fate as Khabib, not being able to leave their home country, and is now offering once again, saying: "The offer still stands [UFC] I’ll go full Teddy Roosevelt & beat the breaks off (Tyron Woodley)". This is a fight that comes with its own backstory and one that has been foreshadowed for a long time now. Could this be the time we see it?

Jorge Masivdal

The reigning, defending, BMF titleholder is doing exactly what the name may suggest. He"s offering to fight Usman on two weeks" notice in the main event of UFC 249. Usman was not set to compete on this card and this bout would mean both fighters would be on short notice. Masvidal first sent out this tweet: "April 18 I’m free #theresurrection" before directly calling out the current Welterweight Champiom, Kamaru Usman. Another fight with its own backstory and one that many fight-fans would be excited to see.

Gilbert Burns

If you know MMA, then you know ‘Durinho" is never far when a late notice replacement is needed. Burns sent out a tweet addressing UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. He informed the UFC that he is prepared to fight anyone at all: "April 18 if u need a guy call my number I’m in Against anyone"

Which of the potential fights interests you the most? Let us know at @MMA_OTH and, as always, stay safe and stay healthy.

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