UFC release statement following New York officials cancellation of UFC 249

Even if it was presumed and more or less guaranteed: UFC 249: Khabib vs Ferguson will not take place in New York City, the State’s Athletic Commission made this official recently. The event was planend to feature a lightweight title bout between reigning champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and #1-ranked Tony Ferguson.

This is hardly a surprising move, as the state of New York have now cracked down on public events and large gatherings. the New York State Athletic Commission released a statement on the issue last night.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in line with recent guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control and New York State, the New York State Athletic Commission informed the UFC that UFC 249 cannot be held in NY.,” NYSAC told MMA Fighting in a written statement, following up a report by the New York Times.

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The UFC acknowledged this by then, in turn, also releasing a statement on the issue on the official UFC website. The promotion promised full refunds to those who had purchased tickets.

“UFC is planning to move forward with UFC 249: KHABIB VS. FERGUSON in April.

The event will not take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as previously announced. The decision was made in accordance with guidance issued by the New York State Athletic Commission, as well as in accordance with restrictions by New York State limiting large public gatherings. Additional details, including location and venue, will be announced when confirmed. Barclays Center ticket holders may seek a full refund at the point of purchase. Internet and phone orders will be automatically cancelled and refunded. UFC looks forward to returning to Brooklyn at the earliest opportunity. “

So it has now been made official from all parties involved; UFC 249 will decidedly not take place in New York City.

As of now, UFC president Dana White has stated repeatedly that UFC 249: Khabib vs Ferguson will happen. Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz claims to have heard of plans to hold the event in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in The Philippines. These reports are, however, unconfirmed.