White Looking To Create A Huge Card For UFC 249
Not only is UFC President Dana White willing to bet that UFC 249, featuring Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov v. Tony Ferguson, is going to happen, he is doubling down on the card
Speaking with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on Instagram Live, White discussed the idea of adding on huge fights to join the card. Set to take place on April 18, White mentioned that not all of the same fights meant to take place inside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center would be on the card. In fact, fights from other cards might join it.
“We’re trying to build the baddest card that’s ever been done in the history of the sport,” White said. “Some of the things are going to work out and some of the things might not work out. We’re trying to figure out if [some things] don’t work out, what we do.”
Recently, the UFC had to cancel three events due to the coronavirus. One of those cards, UFC Columbus, was set to feature Francis Ngannou v. Jairzinho Rozenstruik. White went on to say that the bout is one that could be on the UFC 249 card. Speaking with Submission Radio, Ngannou (14-3) stated it was a possibility, as he has heard a few rumors about it. The heavyweight was just recently tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19), with the results coming back negative.
“I got tested,” Ngannou stated. “They got me tested for COVID-19. I guess they tested all the fighters, which is kind of like a positive thing. It makes you feel a little bit safe to get along with those people.”
That was one of the first times we’ve heard from a UFC fighter who says they have been tested. White has kept quiet regarding testing for his athletes, refusing to tell the media anything. One of the concerns many have had when it comes to the UFC involves the lack of information, considering the Brazilian Athletic Commission did not test athletes competing at UFC Brasilia for the coronavirus a few weeks ago.
It is unknown what other fights will be included on the card. A fight five years in the making, Dana is doing whatever it takes to keep Nurmagomedov v. Ferguson alive.