Tony Ferguson speaks out about Khabib's possible absence at UFC 249: 'He's hiding'

T. Ferguson in action for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook Tony 'El Cucuy' Ferguson

the fight between Tony Ferguson e Khabib Nurmagomedov can be canceled for the fifth time. The fate of the fight, scheduled to take place on April 18, at UFC 249, gained a new chapter after the champion stated that he is unable to travel due to the closure of borders in Russia due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Knowing about the case, the 'Bicho Papão' provoked his rival.

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“April 18 is coming, Khabib. You are hiding in Russia. Travel bans won't stop me from kicking your ass. Don't use this as an excuse to give up. You have received many proposals for places, send us one”, wrote Tony.

This Monday, Khabib's speech was published, in an interview with 'RT Sports', in which the champion talks about the difficulties encountered in preparing and traveling during the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. The athlete, who was preparing for the clash in the United States, ended up traveling to his country after learning about the possibility of the contest taking place in the United Arab Emirates.

Khabib then flew with his team to finish his training in Russia and, now, with the government's ban on receiving people who do not reside in its territory, and the impossibility of leaving the country, the fight remains undefined.

UFC president Dana White has not yet commented on the latest news. The 'big boss', however, has, in recent weeks, made a point of ensuring that the UFC 249 will happen, regardless of location.

The confrontation between Khabib and Ferguson ended up becoming a kind of karma for Ultimate's directors. This is the fifth time that the company has tried to schedule the lightweights for a confrontation. In the four previous opportunities, all were canceled due to injuries to the competitors.

April 18 Is Getting Close @TeamKhabib & You're Hiding In Russia. Travel Bans Will Not Prevent Me From Whoopin' That Ass. Don't Use It As An Excuse To Back Out. You Have Been Sent Many Locations, Send Us 1. Still My Bitch #DefenderVacate MF ⚾️ -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # ufc249 @ufc @danawhite pic.twitter.com/TVQH4mnG2e

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 30, 2020