Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has spoken out to confirm that he is ready, willing and able to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 on Saturday, April 18th, despite ongoing concerns around the world about the coronavirus crisis.
“Next couple of days, Dana’s going to send us location,” Nurmagomedov said during a live Instagram chat, while also confirming that he’s been able to continue uninterupted for the fight in recent weeks.
”We need maximum 100 people inside the arena,” Nurmagomedov went on to say. “Close the arena, 100 healthy people come inside and make the show. Put the camera on pay-per-view, and everybody can fight. People who are quarantined and (are sitting) home, they’ll have fun and watch fights.
”I think we just need 100 people to make this fight. Put the camera on and show who’s the best lightweight of all time. This is a very important fight, and this is why I like the UFC’s politics. They always try to make the best versus the best.”
At a time like this it would be easy to get distracted, but Nurmagomedov appears to be lazer-focused on not only the fight itself, but also his duty to continue his duty to defend the lightweight title.
”This is a very important fight, because the lightweight division has to move. Right now, you have a couple guys who have (six, seven-fight) win streaks. A lot of contenders are coming. I don’t want to hold the lightweight division. We have to fight Tony Ferguson and know who’s the next contender. This is very important, not just for me, (but) the UFC lightweight division. That’s why I really want to fight with him.”
