Khabib's manager defends holding UFC 249: 'The guys want to fight'

T. Ferguson (left) faces K. Nurmagomedov (right) in April. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tonyfergusonxt

With each passing day, the concern of MMA fans with whether or not the UFC 249 increases. With no defined location, but with the date maintained on April 18, the event, which is at risk of being postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, remains unknown. businessman Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the protagonists of the card, Ali Abdelaziz defends that the show takes place despite the preventive measures applied around the world. In an interview with 'MMA Fighting' the agent gave his opinion on the matter.

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“I think the UFC or any other company that has fighters under contract, they have to find a solution. They are independent contractors. They have no salaries. Some athletes earn $10 in $10, $15 in $15. They live from check to check. This is how they make money and this has been happening for 20 years,” Ali said.

Thinking about keeping the event going, Abdelaziz endorsed Dana White's chorus, which criticized the media, suggesting that the press is responsible for treating the pandemic in an alarming way, generating, according to the president, an atmosphere of hysteria.

“For you, as a member of the press, who criticizes a trainer or a fighter, whoever it may be, if you are a fighter and you don't want to fight, that's fine. Don't fight. If the UFC is willing and Dana White is willing to put their reputation and money and get sued, put that on the line and fight and the athletes are willing to step up, I don't think anyone has the right to tell them not to fight. ”, stated the agent.

Finally, Ali commented on the desire of the athletes scheduled for the April show to exchange forces in the octagon. For the agent, as long as there is no audience, there are no impediments to the show.

“These guys want to fight. They have been in training for two or three months. I had athletes who fight on April 18th, who would fight on April 11th and March 28th (events canceled). I've been writing checks to some of these guys because they've been paying my bills for the last 10 years, so I have to help them. I don’t care,” concluded Abdelaziz.