Justin Gaethje Issues Statement After UFC 249 Cancellation Disappointment

Justin Gaethje appeared to have saved the day when he stepped in as a short notice replacement for Khabib Nurmagomedov to headline UFC 249 opposite Tony Ferguson on April 18th, but just days later the event was shut down and now ‘The Highlight’ has given his thoughts on the situation.

“I really felt a surge of energy and support as this fight was building up from so many ppl across the world, it was very humbling,” Gaethje wrote. “I am thankful to represent Safford, AZ and my great friends and family. I’m going to be working hard to be ready next time the opportunity arises. Let’s get through this fight we are all facing right now by having a positive impact on our immediate surroundings (family, neighbor, community) Thank you!! The boss @danawhite is someone I am proud to do business with. #ufc249.”

So, Gaethje appears to be remaining upbeat, but it does leave a lot of uncertainty for him as it may well be that when the UFC is able to resume their events that they will revert back to their original plan to have Nurmagomedov fight Ferguson instead.

However, that could still work out in Gaethje’s favor if he is able to land a money-spinning fight with Conor McGregor instead, plus whoever he fights next it will certainly be better for him to have had a full fight camp behind him.

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.