Despite the UFC having to postpone its next three events, Dana White is hopeful that the coronavirus will clear up by April 18. That's when the promotion has scheduled one of its most anticipated fights: a lightweight title match between Tony Ferguson and undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two fighters are scheduled to meet in the Octagon at UFC 249, but the current coronavirus outbreak is threatening the event.
"We're postponing the next three events, but Tony Ferguson versus Khabib [Nurmagomedov], April 18, is still on and that will still happen," White told ESPN. White explained that the company will continue to follow the government's guidelines, which includes an advisory about limiting gatherings to 10 people or fewer. Other than that, he's hoping that the coronavirus will "clear up" by April. Even if it doesn't, White is confident the show will go on.
"This fight's going to happen. No crowd, whatever it takes, probably not even going to be in the United States. But this fight is going to happen," White said.
The UFC and Dana White had received blowback from the media for being one of the last remaining sports to continue hosting events. Asked about his decision to continue pressing forward, White explained, "The fighters want to fight. The fans want to see it. I've had nothing but positive feedback from the fans and the fighters. These guys all want to continue, so we will."
UFC 249 is scheduled to take place on April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The UFC still has plans to promote the event for now.