Former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson and former WSOF Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje were set to headline next weekend’s UFC 249 card, but then the show was canceled and future UFC events have been postponed after UFC President Dana White was asked to stand down by ESPN and Disney.
Ferguson was in the middle of promoting the event by being interviewed by Brian Martin of The Orange County Register when he found out the news.
“Oh wow,” Ferguson said before going silent for a short time. “Ummmm … you know what? I’m sure it’s for a good reason. Let’s be real. I gotta keep the faith. I gotta keep this … (expletive) … keep this small circle close, bro, and just keep focusing on what we can control, which is our heart rate and our breathing.”
Reports have surfaced stating that California Governor Gavin Newsom influenced Disney and ESPN to get the UFC 249 card canceled, but that hasn’t been confirmed at this time.
The fighter may not be fighting for UFC gold next weekend, but that won’t stop Ferguson from moving forward.
“The constant is things are always gonna change. The variable is how am I gonna react to it?” Ferguson said. “So we could throw that variable, baby, and we make that the constant. Which is why I’m gonna keep smiling, I’m gonna keep training, and you know what? I’m gonna put on some muscle. Dude, I’m skinny. I’m gonna put on some muscle. I’m gonna try my best. I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna try my best. If I fall, I’ll get back up.”
There is a chance that UFC action could restart in about a month on “Fight Island,” which is a secret location being secured by the promotion to run events at.
