Dana White says the event will go on despite the coronavirus and that the card may not happen in America, which is why Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov says the show should take place in Dubai.
“Most likely it will be Dubai,” Nurmagomedov said to RBC Sports. “Firstly, it’s easier to fight diseases because of the heat. And I think the Emirates will pay for the UFC fight faster and easier. Abu Dhabi may well be, but then, [that’s up to] Dana White. I can’t approve, but there are more chances there.”
The event was originally set to take place in Brooklyn, New York before the coronavirus caused the governor of New York to limit the amount of people that can gather in one location.
Abdulmanap says that the event can even take place in an empty arena setting if need be.
“Khabib feels great, everything is going according to plan,” Nurmagomedov said. “He is not afraid of the coronavirus, we are all mortals. What about empty stands? I think that the audience is good, but without them it is even better.”
UFC 249 takes place on Saturday, April 18 from a location to be announced with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
