Dana White has remained positive that the highly anticipated bout between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will happen.
The UFC president last night postponed the UFC's next three events due to restrictions put in place by Donald Trump because of the Corona Virus pandemic.
He alerted his entire staff of the decision via email on Monday, and also announced the company would be closing its Las Vegas headquarters for the time being.
White told ESPN's SportsCenter on Monday evening that the promotion will follow recommended guidelines put in place by US government but says he will do everything in his power to make the lightweight showdown happen.
"That will happen. We're going to follow these guidelines, not have more than 10 people in a room.
"Tony Ferguson versus Khabib Nurmagomedov is still on,' said the Boston native.
“We have no choice now but to postpone these fights. So we’re postponing the next three events, but Tony Ferguson versus Khabib, April 18, is still on and that will still happen.”@danawhite joined @SportsCenter to address the postponement of upcoming UFC events. pic.twitter.com/FxKOAKnOEv
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 16, 2020
He says the promotion are looking at alternative venues outside the United States for the scheduled bout to happen.
White says the bout will more than likely be behind closed doors but remained adamant the lightweight title bout will happen.
The contest has been cancelled 4 times in the past due to injuries and weight cutting issues.
"We're hoping this all clears up by April, and this fight is going to happen. Whatever it takes, probably not in the United States, but this fight is going to happen."
Dubai has been reported as a potential venue.
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