It appears that UFC 249 will go on as planned with a new main event according to UFC President Dana White as former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion #1 Tony Ferguson faces #4 Justin Gaethje.
Ferguson (25-3-0) will enter the bout while in the midst of a twelve fight winning streak and he hasn’t been defeated in over seven years. Ferguson is a former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion, defeating Kevin Lee to win the gold at UFC 216. Ferguson was the lightweight winner of the UFC Ultimate Fighter 13, defeating Ramsey Nijem by first round knockout in the finals of the reality show.
Gaethje (21-2-0) would enter the contest riding a three fight winning streak, defeating the trio of James Vick, Edson Barboza and Donald Cerrone. Gaethje has previously headlined five UFC cards, but this would mark the first time he has headlined a UFC pay-per-view event. Gaethje is a former WSOF Lightweight Champion, defeating Richard Patishnock at the WSOF 8 to win the gold.
UFC 249 takes place on Saturday, April 18 from a location to be announced with Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje headlining. Fightful is going to be providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
