Khabib vs Ferguson in huge doubt as UFC puts Brazil event behind closed doors while Dana White jokes about cancellation

KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV’S fight with Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 has been thrown into huge doubt due to the spread of coronavirus, according to reports.

The MMA fight is due to take place on Saturday April 18 as it headlines UFC 249 in New York but could become the latest sporting event to be cancelled due to Covid-19.

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Reports from Combate suggest a UFC event in Brazil this weekend will be held behind closed doors.

The ceremonial weigh-ins are also thought to have been cancelled, however the organisation are yet to officially confirm this.

UFC chief Dana White joked that concern for the Khabib vs Ferguson showpiece was occupying his mind by posting a meme on his Instagram story.

The image implied he was worrying about it being cancelled as the deadly Covid-19 virus continues to cause chaos around the world.

Khabib and Ferguson are due to fight for the lightweight championship on an action-packed night in the Big Apple.

They top the bill on a packed card with nine other fights scheduled to take place at the Brooklyn Center.

Khabib will be putting his unbeaten record on the line against former interim title holder Ferguson but it’s not the first time the two UFC stars have been lined up to fight each other.

On FOUR separate occasions the pair have previously been due to get into the Octagon but each time the fight has been cancelled.

A combination of injury and illness put pay to fans hopes of seeing Conor McGregor‘s Russian rival Khabib against 36-year-old American Ferguson.

It looked as if they were finally going to come to blows in April but the acceleration of the coronavirus pandemic has cast doubt on whether UFC 249 will take place.