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'''''UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje''''' was a [[mixed martial arts]] event produced by the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] that took place on May 9, 2020 at [[VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena]] in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], United States.<ref name="NewUFC249">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/21/21230050/ufc-249-gets-second-life-as-may-9-event-at-tba-location|title=UFC 249 gets second life as May 9 event at TBA location|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-21|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref><ref name="Florida">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/21/21230214/ufc-249-pay-per-view-headed-to-florida-on-may-9|title=UFC 249 pay-per-view headed to Florida on May 9|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Heck|date=2020-04-21|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref><ref name="Jacksonville">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/ufc-249-may-9-headed-to-jacksonville-fla|title=Report: UFC 249 headed to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-04-24|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> It was originally planned to take place on April 18 at [[Barclays Center]] in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], United States.<ref name="UFC249">{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@ufc249livetv/live-ufc-249-ferguson-vs-gaethje-livestream-ufc-249-live-free-live-2020-ed8083d68935|title=Khabib vs. Ferguson set for UFC 249 at Barclays|publisher=newsday.com|author=Mark La Monica|date=2019-12-14|access-date=2019-12-14}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the event was eventually postponed ''(see section below)''.<ref name="Postponed">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> On April 21, the UFC confirmed that UFC 249 would be moved to May 9 and take place in [[Florida]].<ref name="NewUFC249"/><ref name="Florida"/>
'''''UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje''''' was a [[mixed martial arts]] event produced by the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] that took place on May 9, 2020 at [[VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena]] in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], United States.<ref name="NewUFC249">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/21/21230050/ufc-249-gets-second-life-as-may-9-event-at-tba-location|title=UFC 249 gets second life as May 9 event at TBA location|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-21|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref><ref name="Florida">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/21/21230214/ufc-249-pay-per-view-headed-to-florida-on-may-9|title=UFC 249 pay-per-view headed to Florida on May 9|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Mike Heck|date=2020-04-21|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref><ref name="Jacksonville">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/ufc-249-may-9-headed-to-jacksonville-fla|title=Report: UFC 249 headed to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-04-24|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> It was originally planned to take place on April 18 at [[Barclays Center]] in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], United States.<ref name="UFC249">{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/@ufc249livetv/live-ufc-249-ferguson-vs-gaethje-livestream-ufc-249-live-free-live-2020-ed8083d68935|title=Khabib vs. Ferguson set for UFC 249 at Barclays|publisher=newsday.com|author=Mark La Monica|date=2019-12-14|access-date=2019-12-14}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the event was eventually postponed ''(see section below)''.<ref name="Postponed">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> On April 21, the UFC confirmed that UFC 249 would be moved to May 9 and take place in [[Florida]].<ref name="NewUFC249"/><ref name="Florida"/>


==Background==
==Background==
A [[UFC Lightweight Championship]] bout between the former champion [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] and former interim champion [[Tony Ferguson]] (also [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos]] welterweight winner) was slated to headline this event.<ref name="UFC249" /> The pairing had previously been scheduled and cancelled for various reasons on four occasions ([[The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber#The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale]], [[UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans]], [[UFC 209]] and [[UFC 223]]) over the last four years.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/30/9645620/edson-barboza-steps-in-for-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-tony-ace-tony-ferguson|title= Edson Barboza steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Tony Ferguson at TUF Finale|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2015-10-30|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-tony-ferguson-out-rashad-evans-vs-glover-teixeira-set-as-new-main-event-040516|title=Tony Ferguson out; Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira set as new main event|publisher=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2016-04-05|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/3/3/14805818/ufc-releases-statement-on-khabib-nurmagomedov|title=UFC releases statement on Khabib Nurmagomedov|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2017-03-03|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/1/17187016/how-did-tony-ferguson-injure-his-knee-ufc-223|title=You won't believe how Tony Ferguson injured his knee and ended up off UFC 223|author=Ryan Harkness|date=2018-04-01|publisher=mmamania.com|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref> The bout was cancelled for a fifth time due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic ''(see section below)''.
A [[UFC Lightweight Championship]] bout between the champion [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] and interim champion [[Tony Ferguson]] (also [[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos]] welterweight winner) was slated to headline this event.<ref name="UFC249" /> The pairing had previously been scheduled and cancelled for various reasons on four occasions ([[The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber#The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale|The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale]], [[UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans]], [[UFC 209]] and [[UFC 223]]) over the last four years.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/30/9645620/edson-barboza-steps-in-for-khabib-nurmagomedov-to-face-tony-ace-tony-ferguson|title= Edson Barboza steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Tony Ferguson at TUF Finale|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2015-10-30|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-tony-ferguson-out-rashad-evans-vs-glover-teixeira-set-as-new-main-event-040516|title=Tony Ferguson out; Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira set as new main event|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2016-04-05|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2017/3/3/14805818/ufc-releases-statement-on-khabib-nurmagomedov|title=UFC releases statement on Khabib Nurmagomedov|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2017-03-03|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/1/17187016/how-did-tony-ferguson-injure-his-knee-ufc-223|title=You won't believe how Tony Ferguson injured his knee and ended up off UFC 223|author=Ryan Harkness|date=2018-04-01|publisher=mmamania.com|access-date=2019-12-16}}</ref> The bout was cancelled for a fifth time due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic ''(see section below)''.


[[File:Хабиб Нурмагомедов-2. 12.9.2019.jpg|thumb|left|190px|Originally, [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] was expected to make the third defense of his [[UFC Lightweight Championship]] at this event, but had to pull out due to [[travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic]].]]
[[File:Хабиб Нурмагомедов-2. 12.9.2019.jpg|thumb|left|190px|Originally, [[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] was expected to make the third defense of his [[UFC Lightweight Championship]] at this event, but had to pull out due to [[travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic]].]]
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A heavyweight bout between [[Shamil Abdurakhimov]] and [[Ciryl Gane]] was scheduled for the event. However, it was announced on March 5 that Gane was forced to pull out of the event after he was struck by a [[pneumothorax]] in training and the bout was eventually scrapped.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/3/5/21166938/ciryl-gane-out-ufc-249-fight-shamil-abdurakhimov|title=Ciryl Gane out of UFC 249 fight with Shamil Abdurakhimov|date=2020-03-05|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>
A heavyweight bout between [[Shamil Abdurakhimov]] and [[Ciryl Gane]] was scheduled for the event. However, it was announced on March 5 that Gane was forced to pull out of the event after he was struck by a [[pneumothorax]] in training and the bout was eventually scrapped.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/3/5/21166938/ciryl-gane-out-ufc-249-fight-shamil-abdurakhimov|title=Ciryl Gane out of UFC 249 fight with Shamil Abdurakhimov|date=2020-03-05|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|access-date=2020-03-06}}</ref>


A welterweight bout between former [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight Championship|Bellator Welterweight Champion]] [[Lyman Good]] and [[Belal Muhammad]] was scheduled for this event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-249-belal-muhammad-vs-lyman-good-booked|title=Belal Muhammad vs. Lyman Good added to UFC 249 in Brooklyn|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun and Mike Bohn|date=2020-02-11|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> The pairing was previously expected to meet at [[UFC 205]] in November 2016, but Good was pulled from that event after being notified by the [[United States Anti-Doping Agency]] (USADA) due to a potential anti-doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition drug test.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/lyman-good-receives-usada-notice-pulled-from-ufc-205|title=Lyman Good receives USADA notice, pulled from UFC 205|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2016-10-24|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> However, Good pulled out due to injury on April 4 and the bout was scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/lyman-good-out-ufc-249-injury-belal-muhammad-opponent|title=Lyman Good out of UFC 249 bout with Belal Muhammad due to injury|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2020-04-04|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> It was announced on April 20 that Good actually [[COVID-19 testing|tested positive for COVID-19]], being the first fighter to publicly acknowledge the fact.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29073417/ufc-lyman-good-now-100-testing-positive-covid-19-last-month|title=UFC's Lyman Good now '100%' after testing positive for COVID-19 last month|publisher=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2020-04-20|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref>
A welterweight bout between former [[List of Bellator champions#Welterweight Championship|Bellator Welterweight Champion]] [[Lyman Good]] and [[Belal Muhammad]] was scheduled for this event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-249-belal-muhammad-vs-lyman-good-booked|title=Belal Muhammad vs. Lyman Good added to UFC 249 in Brooklyn|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun and Mike Bohn|date=2020-02-11|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> The pairing was previously expected to meet at [[UFC 205]] in November 2016, but Good was pulled from that event after being notified by the [[United States Anti-Doping Agency]] (USADA) due to a potential anti-doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition drug test.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/10/lyman-good-receives-usada-notice-pulled-from-ufc-205|title=Lyman Good receives USADA notice, pulled from UFC 205|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2016-10-24|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> However, Good pulled out due to injury on April 4 and the bout was scrapped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/lyman-good-out-ufc-249-injury-belal-muhammad-opponent|title=Lyman Good out of UFC 249 bout with Belal Muhammad due to injury|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2020-04-04|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> It was announced on April 20 that Good actually [[COVID-19 testing|tested positive for COVID-19]], being the first fighter to publicly acknowledge the fact.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29073417/ufc-lyman-good-now-100-testing-positive-covid-19-last-month|title=UFC's Lyman Good now '100%' after testing positive for COVID-19 last month|work=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2020-04-20|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref>


A women's strawweight rematch between former [[UFC Women's Strawweight Championship|UFC Women's Strawweight Champions]] [[Jéssica Andrade]] and [[Rose Namajunas]] was expected to co-headline the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/01/ufc-249-rose-namajunas-vs-jessica-andrade-rematch-booked|title=Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade agree to rematch at UFC 249 in Brooklyn|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-01-09|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> The pairing previously met at [[UFC 237]] in May 2019, where Andrade won via second round TKO to capture the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaindia.com/ufc-237-results-jessica-andrade-kos-rose-namajunas-in-round-2-wins-strawweight-belt/|title=UFC 237 results – Jessica Andrade KO’s Rose Namajunas in round 2, wins strawweight belt|publisher=mmaindia.com|author=Sohail Syed|date=2019-05-12|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> However, Namajunas pulled out on April 8 due to personal reasons, with her manager citing a pair of deaths in the family related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/29013557/rose-namajunas-pulls-ufc-249-bout-vs-jessica-andrade|title=Rose Namajunas pulls out of UFC 249 bout vs. Jessica Andrade|publisher=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi and Ariel Helwani|date=2020-04-08|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/9/21215451/manager-rose-namajunas-withdrew-from-ufc-249-after-covid-19-deaths-in-family|title=Manager: Rose Namajunas withdrew from UFC 249 after COVID-19 deaths in family|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Newswire|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>
A women's strawweight rematch between former [[UFC Women's Strawweight Championship|UFC Women's Strawweight Champions]] [[Jéssica Andrade]] and [[Rose Namajunas]] was expected to co-headline the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/01/ufc-249-rose-namajunas-vs-jessica-andrade-rematch-booked|title=Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade agree to rematch at UFC 249 in Brooklyn|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-01-09|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> The pairing previously met at [[UFC 237]] in May 2019, where Andrade won via second round TKO to capture the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmaindia.com/ufc-237-results-jessica-andrade-kos-rose-namajunas-in-round-2-wins-strawweight-belt/|title=UFC 237 results – Jessica Andrade KO's Rose Namajunas in round 2, wins strawweight belt|publisher=mmaindia.com|author=Sohail Syed|date=2019-05-12|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> However, Namajunas pulled out on April 8 for personal reasons, with her manager citing a pair of deaths in the family related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/ufc/story/_/id/29013557/rose-namajunas-pulls-ufc-249-bout-vs-jessica-andrade|title=Rose Namajunas pulls out of UFC 249 bout vs. Jessica Andrade|work=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi and Ariel Helwani|date=2020-04-08|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/9/21215451/manager-rose-namajunas-withdrew-from-ufc-249-after-covid-19-deaths-in-family|title=Manager: Rose Namajunas withdrew from UFC 249 after COVID-19 deaths in family|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Newswire|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>


===COVID-19 pandemic – the April 18 date is postponed===
===COVID-19 pandemic – the April 18 date is postponed===
On March 12, New York [[Governor (United States)|governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] issued an order restricting mass gatherings and sporting events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Four days later, UFC president [[Dana White]] announced via a letter to employees shared to the public that this event "is still scheduled as planned, but the location may change".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-03-16}}</ref> On March 18, the [[New York State Athletic Commission]] (NYSAC) announced that the event would not be sanctioned to take place at the event's original site, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/mma/news/1965609|title=Commission stops UFC 249 from happening in New York|publisher=thescore.com|author=Nick Baldwin|date=2020-03-18|access-date=2020-03-18}}</ref> On March 23, White revealed that he already had a new location for this event, but would only confirm that it will be held [[Behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/dana-white-says-he-has-location-for-ufc-249-confirms-closed-door-event|title=Dana White says he has location for UFC 249; confirms closed-door event|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-03-23|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> White subsequently added on March 25 that the card could feature a different lineup, depending on the logistics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/dana-white-ufc-249-could-add-francis-ngannou-vs-jairzinho-rozenstruik|title=Dana White: UFC 249 could add Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, other fights|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2020-03-25|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref>
On March 12, New York [[Governor (United States)|governor]] [[Andrew Cuomo]] issued an order restricting mass gatherings and sporting events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cn|date=May 2023}} Four days later, UFC president [[Dana White]] announced via a letter to employees shared to the public that this event "is still scheduled as planned, but the location may change".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-03-16}}</ref> On March 18, the [[New York State Athletic Commission]] (NYSAC) announced that the event would not be sanctioned to take place at the event's original site, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/mma/news/1965609|title=Commission stops UFC 249 from happening in New York|publisher=thescore.com|author=Nick Baldwin|date=2020-03-18|access-date=2020-03-18}}</ref> On March 23, White revealed that he already had a new location for this event, but would only confirm that it will be held [[Behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/dana-white-says-he-has-location-for-ufc-249-confirms-closed-door-event|title=Dana White says he has location for UFC 249; confirms closed-door event|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2020-03-23|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> White subsequently added on March 25 that the card could feature a different lineup, depending on the logistics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/dana-white-ufc-249-could-add-francis-ngannou-vs-jairzinho-rozenstruik|title=Dana White: UFC 249 could add Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, other fights|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2020-03-25|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref>


[[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] stated on March 30 that he was in [[Dagestan]] and his participation at the event could be jeopardized due to [[travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28970604/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-likely-again|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov stuck in Russia, hears new Tony Ferguson opponent sought|publisher=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2020-03-30|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> He stated on April 1 that he would probably not be competing at the event and reinforced that people should be in quarantine anyhow.<ref name="5th">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/khabib-nurmagomedov-out-of-ufc-249-fight-vs-tony-ferguson|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov confirms he's out of UFC 249: 'I can’t control it all'|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2020-04-01|access-date=2020-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/2/21205923/khabib-nurmagomedov-fires-back-at-criticism-over-not-fighting-tony-ferguson-at-ufc-249|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov fires back at criticism over not fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 249|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-02|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> He later confirmed that he would compete if a location was given and they were able to move him there, but did not see it happening.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/4/21206580/khabib-nurmagomedov-ready-to-fight-but-i-dont-know-the-location-this-is-not-professional|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov ready to fight, but ‘I don’t know the location … this is not professional’|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-04|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>
[[Khabib Nurmagomedov]] stated on March 30 that he was in [[Dagestan]] and his participation at the event could be jeopardized due to [[travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28970604/khabib-nurmagomedov-vs-tony-ferguson-likely-again|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov stuck in Russia, hears new Tony Ferguson opponent sought|work=espn.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=2020-03-30|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> He stated on April 1 that he would probably not be competing at the event and reinforced that people should be in quarantine anyhow.<ref name="5th">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/khabib-nurmagomedov-out-of-ufc-249-fight-vs-tony-ferguson|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov confirms he's out of UFC 249: 'I can't control it all'|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Danny Segura|date=2020-04-01|access-date=2020-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/2/21205923/khabib-nurmagomedov-fires-back-at-criticism-over-not-fighting-tony-ferguson-at-ufc-249|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov fires back at criticism over not fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 249|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-02|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref> He later confirmed that he would compete if a location was given and they were able to move him there, but did not see it happening.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/4/21206580/khabib-nurmagomedov-ready-to-fight-but-i-dont-know-the-location-this-is-not-professional|title=Khabib Nurmagomedov ready to fight, but 'I don't know the location … this is not professional'|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-04|access-date=2020-04-04}}</ref>


⚫
[[File:Tachi Palace hotel.JPG|thumb|right|190px|Since [[Tachi Palace|Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino]] in [[Lemoore, California]] is located on land owned by the [[Tachi Yokuts|Tachi-Yokut Tribe]], part of the [[Santa Rosa Indian Community of the Santa Rosa Rancheria|Santa Rosa Indian Community]], the event did not fall under the jurisdiction of the [[California State Athletic Commission]] (CSAC) and their ban on combat sports events through the end of May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/reports-ufc-249-set-to-take-place-on-california-tribal-land|title=Reports: UFC 249 finds home on California tribal land|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>]]
⚫
The UFC announced on April 6 that Nurmagomedov would be replaced by former [[List of WSOF champions#Lightweight Championship|WSOF Lightweight Champion]] [[Justin Gaethje]], with an interim title to be disputed between him and [[Tony Ferguson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29002048/dana-white-says-tony-ferguson-justin-gaethje-headline-ufc-249|title=Dana White says Tony Ferguson-Justin Gaethje to headline UFC 249|publisher=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2020-04-06|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> The rest of the card also underwent changes, with the following fights being added as well:<ref name="NewCard">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/6/21209211/ufc-announces-updated-lineup-for-ufc-249-andrade-vs-namajunas-2-still-co-headlines|title=UFC 249 fight card announced, Andrade vs. Namajunas 2 still co-headlines|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2020-04-06|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref>

⚫
The UFC announced on April 6 that Nurmagomedov would be replaced by former [[List of WSOF champions#Lightweight Championship|WSOF Lightweight Champion]] [[Justin Gaethje]], with an interim title to be disputed between him and [[Tony Ferguson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29002048/dana-white-says-tony-ferguson-justin-gaethje-headline-ufc-249|title=Dana White says Tony Ferguson-Justin Gaethje to headline UFC 249|work=espn.com|author=Marc Raimondi|date=2020-04-06|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> The rest of the card also underwent changes, with the following fights being added as well:<ref name="NewCard">{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/6/21209211/ufc-announces-updated-lineup-for-ufc-249-andrade-vs-namajunas-2-still-co-headlines|title=UFC 249 fight card announced, Andrade vs. Namajunas 2 still co-headlines|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2020-04-06|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref>


*A heavyweight bout between former [[UFC Heavyweight Championship]] challenger [[Francis Ngannou]] and [[Jairzinho Rozenstruik]]. The bout was originally scheduled to headline [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik]] on March 28, but the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref>
*A heavyweight bout between former [[UFC Heavyweight Championship]] challenger [[Francis Ngannou]] and [[Jairzinho Rozenstruik]]. The bout was originally scheduled to headline [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik]] on March 28, but the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/03/ufc-postpones-three-events-coronavirus-pandemic|title=UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-03-15|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref>
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*[[Islam Makhachev]] was expected to face [[Alexander Hernandez]] in a lightweight bout, but was removed from the event due to travel restrictions and replaced by [[Omar Morales (fighter)|Omar Morales]].
*[[Islam Makhachev]] was expected to face [[Alexander Hernandez]] in a lightweight bout, but was removed from the event due to travel restrictions and replaced by [[Omar Morales (fighter)|Omar Morales]].
*A bantamweight bout between [[Marlon Vera]] and former [[UFC Flyweight Championship]] challenger [[Ray Borg]]; Vera was expected to compete against a different opponent at [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik]].
*A bantamweight bout between [[Marlon Vera]] and former [[UFC Flyweight Championship]] challenger [[Ray Borg]]; Vera was expected to compete against a different opponent at [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik]].

⚫
[[File:Tachi Palace hotel.JPG|thumb|right|190px|Since [[Tachi Palace|Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino]] in [[Lemoore, California]] is located on land owned by the [[Tachi Yokuts|Tachi-Yokut Tribe]], part of the [[Santa Rosa Indian Community of the Santa Rosa Rancheria|Santa Rosa Indian Community]], the event did not fall under the jurisdiction of the [[California State Athletic Commission]] (CSAC) and their ban on combat sports events through the end of May.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/reports-ufc-249-set-to-take-place-on-california-tribal-land|title=Reports: UFC 249 finds home on California tribal land|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>]]

*[[Ottman Azaitar]] was expected to face [[Khama Worthy]] in a lightweight bout, but was removed from the event due to travel restrictions and replaced by [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]].
*[[Ottman Azaitar]] was expected to face [[Khama Worthy]] in a lightweight bout, but was removed from the event due to travel restrictions and replaced by [[Michael Johnson (fighter)|Michael Johnson]].
*A light heavyweight bout between [[Ryan Spann]] and [[Sam Alvey]]; Alvey was expected to compete against a different opponent at [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik]].
*A light heavyweight bout between [[Ryan Spann]] and [[Sam Alvey]]; Alvey was expected to compete against a different opponent at [[UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik]].
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*A bantamweight bout between [[Hunter Azure]] and [[Umar Nurmagomedov]].
*A bantamweight bout between [[Hunter Azure]] and [[Umar Nurmagomedov]].


A location for the event was not revealed, but Dana White said the UFC's temporary home would host U.S.-based fighters who aren't barred from traveling domestically.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/7/21211634/dana-white-covid-19-plans-weekly-fights-at-ufc-249-location-a-private-island-and-joe-rogan|title=Dana White’s COVID-19 plan: Two months of weekly fights at UFC 249 location, a private island, and Joe Rogan|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> On April 7, Secretary of the [[Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation]] [[Halsey Beshears]] made a post on [[Twitter]], offering to help sanction and host UFC events in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2020/04/07/regulator-opens-door-to-ufc-events-in-florida-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/|title=Regulator opens door to UFC events in Florida amid coronavirus pandemic|publisher=news4jax.com|author=Staff|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-16}}</ref> It was later revealed that the event was expected to take place at [[Tachi Palace|Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino]] in [[Lemoore, California]], the site of several events for the defunct [[World Extreme Cagefighting]] and [[Tachi Palace Fights]] promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/sports/ufc-249-coronavirus-location.html|title=UFC 249, skirting coronavirus limits, is set for tribal land in California|publisher=nytimes.com|author=Kevin Draper|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>
A location for the event was not revealed, but Dana White said the UFC's temporary home would host U.S.-based fighters who aren't barred from traveling domestically.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/7/21211634/dana-white-covid-19-plans-weekly-fights-at-ufc-249-location-a-private-island-and-joe-rogan|title=Dana White's COVID-19 plan: Two months of weekly fights at UFC 249 location, a private island, and Joe Rogan|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-07}}</ref> On April 7, Secretary of the [[Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation]] [[Halsey Beshears]] made a post on [[Twitter]], offering to help sanction and host UFC events in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2020/04/07/regulator-opens-door-to-ufc-events-in-florida-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/|title=Regulator opens door to UFC events in Florida amid coronavirus pandemic|publisher=news4jax.com|author=Staff|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-16}}</ref> It was later revealed that the event was expected to take place at [[Tachi Palace|Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino]] in [[Lemoore, California]], the site of several events for the defunct [[World Extreme Cagefighting]] and [[Tachi Palace Fights]] promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/sports/ufc-249-coronavirus-location.html|title=UFC 249, skirting coronavirus limits, is set for tribal land in California|work=[[The New York Times]]|author=Kevin Draper|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>


On April 9, White announced that this event would not take place as scheduled and all other UFC events would be suspended until further notice, citing interventions from high-ranking staff of the UFC's U.S. media rightsholders, [[ESPN Inc.]] and parent [[The Walt Disney Company]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/9/21215721/ufc-249-upcoming-events-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-dana-white-promises-fight-island-will-proceed|title=UFC 249, upcoming events postponed due to coronavirus pandemic, Dana White promises ‘Fight Island’ will proceed|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> It was later revealed that the 40th governor of [[California]], [[Gavin Newsom]], influenced the decision of cancelling the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/california-gov-gavin-newsom-disney-request-to-shut-down-ufc-249|title=Report: California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Disney to shut down UFC 249|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Samano|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>
On April 9, White announced that this event would not take place as scheduled and all other UFC events would be suspended until further notice, citing interventions from high-ranking staff of the UFC's U.S. media rightsholders, [[ESPN Inc.]] and parent [[The Walt Disney Company]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29018339/dana-white-says-ufc-249-not-happen-april-18|title=Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/9/21215721/ufc-249-upcoming-events-cancelled-due-to-coronavirus-dana-white-promises-fight-island-will-proceed|title=UFC 249, upcoming events postponed due to coronavirus pandemic, Dana White promises 'Fight Island' will proceed|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref> It was later revealed that the 40th governor of [[California]], [[Gavin Newsom]], influenced the decision of cancelling the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/california-gov-gavin-newsom-disney-request-to-shut-down-ufc-249|title=Report: California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Disney to shut down UFC 249|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Simon Samano|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>


===May 9 – a new date is set for the event===
===May 9 – a new date is set for the event===
The promotion originally planned [[UFC 250]] to take place at [[Ginásio do Ibirapuera]] in [[São Paulo]], Brazil on May 9.<ref name="PPVSP">{{Cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ultimate-planeja-ufc-250-em-sao-paulo-com-henry-cejudo-x-jose-aldo-de-luta-principal.ghtml|title=UFC plans UFC 250 in São Paulo with Henry Cejudo vs. José Aldo of main event|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2020-01-17|access-date=2020-01-17}} {{in lang|pt}}</ref> On April 7, it was announced that the venue would be used as a [[field hospital]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil]] and would not be able to host the fight card.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/com-ibirapuera-cedido-para-hospital-de-campanha-ufc-250-nao-sera-mais-em-sao-paulo.ghtml|title=With Ibirapuera assigned as a field hospital, UFC 250 will not be held in São Paulo|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-08}} {{in lang|pt}}</ref>
The promotion originally planned [[UFC 250]] to take place at [[Ginásio do Ibirapuera]] in [[São Paulo]], Brazil on May 9.<ref name="PPVSP">{{Cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/ultimate-planeja-ufc-250-em-sao-paulo-com-henry-cejudo-x-jose-aldo-de-luta-principal.ghtml|title=UFC plans UFC 250 in São Paulo with Henry Cejudo vs. José Aldo of main event|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2020-01-17|access-date=2020-01-17}} {{in lang|pt}}</ref> On April 7, it was announced that the venue would be used as a [[field hospital]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil]] and would not be able to host the fight card.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/com-ibirapuera-cedido-para-hospital-de-campanha-ufc-250-nao-sera-mais-em-sao-paulo.ghtml|title=With Ibirapuera assigned as a field hospital, UFC 250 will not be held in São Paulo|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Raphael Marinho|date=2020-04-07|access-date=2020-04-08}} {{in lang|pt}}</ref>


A [[UFC Bantamweight Championship]] bout between the current champion [[Henry Cejudo]] (also former [[UFC Flyweight Championship|UFC Flyweight Champion]] and [[Wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 55 kg|2008 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling]]) and former [[List of WEC champions#Featherweight Championship|WEC]] and two-time [[UFC Featherweight Championship|UFC Featherweight Champion]] [[José Aldo]] was expected to serve as that event's headliner.<ref name="SPHeadliner">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28774219/jose-aldo-challenge-henry-cejudo-ufc-250-brazil|title=Jose Aldo to challenge Henry Cejudo at UFC 250 in Brazil|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-02-24|access-date=2020-02-24}} </ref> However, Aldo withdrew on April 8 due to [[Travel visa|visa]] issues as the event was expected to be moved to the United States. While not officially announced by the promotion at the time, former two-time bantamweight champion [[Dominick Cruz]] (who hadn't fought since December 2016) was expected to replace him.<ref name="cruz">{{cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/jose-aldo-esta-fora-do-ufc-250-e-ultimate-encaminha-henry-cejudo-x-dominick-cruz.ghtml|title=José Aldo out of UFC 250 and Ultimate expects to book Henry Cejuro against Dominick Cruz|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Ana Hissa and Raphael Marinho|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}} {{in lang|pt}}</ref>
A [[UFC Bantamweight Championship]] bout between the current champion [[Henry Cejudo]] (also former [[UFC Flyweight Championship|UFC Flyweight Champion]] and [[Wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's freestyle 55 kg|2008 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling]]) and former [[List of WEC champions#Featherweight Championship|WEC]] and two-time [[UFC Featherweight Championship|UFC Featherweight Champion]] [[José Aldo]] was expected to serve as that event's headliner.<ref name="SPHeadliner">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28774219/jose-aldo-challenge-henry-cejudo-ufc-250-brazil|title=Jose Aldo to challenge Henry Cejudo at UFC 250 in Brazil|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-02-24|access-date=2020-02-24}} </ref> However, Aldo withdrew on April 8 due to [[Travel visa|visa]] issues as the event was expected to be moved to the United States. While not officially announced by the promotion at the time, former two-time bantamweight champion [[Dominick Cruz]] (who hadn't fought since December 2016) was expected to replace him.<ref name="cruz">{{cite web|url=https://globoesporte.globo.com/combate/noticia/jose-aldo-esta-fora-do-ufc-250-e-ultimate-encaminha-henry-cejudo-x-dominick-cruz.ghtml|title=José Aldo out of UFC 250 and Ultimate expects to book Henry Cejuro against Dominick Cruz|publisher=globoesporte.globo.com|author=Ana Hissa and Raphael Marinho|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}} {{in lang|pt}}</ref>


A [[UFC Women's Featherweight Championship]] bout between the current champion [[Amanda Nunes]] (also the current [[UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship|UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion]]) and former [[Invicta Fighting Championships#Featherweight Championship|Invicta FC Featherweight Champion]] [[Felicia Spencer]] was expected to serve as the co-headliner.<ref name="W145">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28845108/amanda-nunes-defend-featherweight-title-felicia-spence-ufc-250|title=Amanda Nunes to defend featherweight title against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-03-05|access-date=2020-03-05}} </ref> Nunes announced on April 20 that she would not compete on this date due to her desire to have a full training camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/20/21228707/amanda-nunes-announces-she-wont-fight-at-may-9-ufc-event|title=Amanda Nunes announces she won’t fight at May 9 UFC event|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2020-04-20|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref>
A [[UFC Women's Featherweight Championship]] bout between the current champion [[Amanda Nunes]] (also the current [[UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship|UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion]]) and former [[Invicta Fighting Championships#Featherweight Championship|Invicta FC Featherweight Champion]] [[Felicia Spencer]] was expected to serve as the co-headliner.<ref name="W145">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28845108/amanda-nunes-defend-featherweight-title-felicia-spence-ufc-250|title=Amanda Nunes to defend featherweight title against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-03-05|access-date=2020-03-05}} </ref> Nunes announced on April 20 that she would not compete on this date due to her desire to have a full training camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/20/21228707/amanda-nunes-announces-she-wont-fight-at-may-9-ufc-event|title=Amanda Nunes announces she won't fight at May 9 UFC event|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2020-04-20|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref>


Due to the event being expected to be relocated to the United States, several changes were made due to fighters being unable to compete due to visa issues:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/jose-aldo-brazilian-fighters-out-of-ufc-250-visa-issues-coronavirus-pandemic|title=Jose Aldo among Brazilians out of UFC 250 and beyond because of visa issues during pandemic|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>
Due to the event being expected to be relocated to the United States, several changes were made due to fighters being unable to compete due to visa issues:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/04/jose-aldo-brazilian-fighters-out-of-ufc-250-visa-issues-coronavirus-pandemic|title=Jose Aldo among Brazilians out of UFC 250 and beyond because of visa issues during pandemic|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Staff|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-09}}</ref>
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[[File:Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.JPG|thumb|right|230px|[[VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena]] hosted the much anticipated return of the UFC amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Jacksonville"/>]]
[[File:Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.JPG|thumb|right|230px|[[VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena]] hosted the much anticipated return of the UFC amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="Jacksonville"/>]]


On April 21, it was announced that the UFC moved UFC 249 to the new date, marking the promotion's return after the first wave of cancellations, most likely in Florida.<ref name="NewUFC249"/><ref name="Florida"/> Florida venues are permitted to host UFC events behind closed doors as a result of Executive Order 20-91 signed April 9, 2020 by governor [[Ron DeSantis]], specifically stating as an essential service, "employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience - including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production - only if the location is closed to the general public."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Essential-Services-Additions-EO-20-91.pdf|title=Essential Services Additions to Executive Order 20-91|publisher=flgov.com|author=State of Florida|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> They confirmed the new card on April 24, with the Ferguson vs. Gaethje bout still scheduled to serve as the event headliner.<ref name="newUFC249">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29094417/ufc-schedules-three-fight-cards-led-ufc-249-9-florida-no-fans|title=UFC schedules three fight cards, led by UFC 249 on May 9 in Florida with no fans|publisher=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-24|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> The organization also announced that it would host two other events on [[UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Teixeira|May 13]] and [[UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris|16]], both in Jacksonville. The rest of the card featured the following fights:<ref name="newUFC249" />
On April 21, it was announced that the UFC moved UFC 249 to the new date, marking the promotion's return after the first wave of cancellations, most likely in Florida.<ref name="NewUFC249"/><ref name="Florida"/> Florida venues are permitted to host UFC events behind closed doors as a result of Executive Order 20-91 signed April 9, 2020 by governor [[Ron DeSantis]], specifically stating as an essential service, "employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience - including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production - only if the location is closed to the general public."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Essential-Services-Additions-EO-20-91.pdf|title=Essential Services Additions to Executive Order 20-91|publisher=flgov.com|author=State of Florida|date=2020-04-09|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> They confirmed the new card on April 24, with the Ferguson vs. Gaethje bout still scheduled to serve as the event headliner.<ref name="newUFC249">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29094417/ufc-schedules-three-fight-cards-led-ufc-249-9-florida-no-fans|title=UFC schedules three fight cards, led by UFC 249 on May 9 in Florida with no fans|work=espn.com|author=Brett Okamoto|date=2020-04-24|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref> The organization also announced that it would host two other events on [[UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Teixeira|May 13]] and [[UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Harris|16]], both in Jacksonville. The rest of the card featured the following fights:<ref name="newUFC249" />


*A women's strawweight bout between former [[Invicta Fighting Championships#Strawweight Championship|Invicta FC]] and inaugural [[UFC Women's Strawweight Championship|UFC Women's Strawweight Champion]] [[Carla Esparza]] and former [[Invicta Fighting Championships#Atomweight Championship|Invicta FC Atomweight Champion]] [[Michelle Waterson]]. The bout was originally scheduled for [[UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris]] on April 11, one of the first events cancelled due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-portland-michelle-waterson-vs-carla-esparza-booked|title=Michelle Waterson vs. Carla Esparza booked for UFC on ESPN+ 30 in Portland|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and Farah Hannoun|date=2020-02-08|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref>
*A women's strawweight bout between former [[Invicta Fighting Championships#Strawweight Championship|Invicta FC]] and inaugural [[UFC Women's Strawweight Championship|UFC Women's Strawweight Champion]] [[Carla Esparza]] and former [[Invicta Fighting Championships#Atomweight Championship|Invicta FC Atomweight Champion]] [[Michelle Waterson]]. The bout was originally scheduled for [[UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris]] on April 11, one of the first events cancelled due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/02/ufc-portland-michelle-waterson-vs-carla-esparza-booked|title=Michelle Waterson vs. Carla Esparza booked for UFC on ESPN+ 30 in Portland|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and Farah Hannoun|date=2020-02-08|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref>
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}}
}}
{{MMAevent end|notes=yes|MMAevent bout=}}
{{MMAevent end|notes=yes|MMAevent bout=}}
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-249|title=UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje|publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-249|title=UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje|date=13 December 2019 |publisher=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref>


==Bonus awards==
==Bonus awards==
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==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
During the broadcast, it was announced that former [[UFC Welterweight Championship|UFC Welterweight]] and [[UFC Middleweight Championship|Middleweight Champion]] [[Georges St-Pierre]] would be inducted into the Modern Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/5/9/21253489/georges-st-pierre-will-be-inducted-into-2020-ufc-hall-of-fame-class|title=Georges St-Pierre will be inducted into 2020 UFC Hall of Fame class|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2020-05-09|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
During the broadcast, it was announced that former [[UFC Welterweight Championship|UFC Welterweight]] and [[UFC Middleweight Championship|Middleweight Champion]] [[Georges St-Pierre]] would be inducted into the Modern Wing of the [[UFC Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/5/9/21253489/georges-st-pierre-will-be-inducted-into-2020-ufc-hall-of-fame-class|title=Georges St-Pierre will be inducted into 2020 UFC Hall of Fame class|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2020-05-09|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>


Henry Cejudo announced his retirement immediately after his TKO victory over Dominick Cruz.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/05/shocker-henry-cejudo-announces-mma-retirement-ufc-249-olympics-dominick-cruz|title=Shocker: Henry Cejudo stops Dominick Cruz, then announces MMA retirement at UFC 249|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2020-05-10|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
Henry Cejudo announced his retirement immediately after his TKO victory over Dominick Cruz.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/05/shocker-henry-cejudo-announces-mma-retirement-ufc-249-olympics-dominick-cruz|title=Shocker: Henry Cejudo stops Dominick Cruz, then announces MMA retirement at UFC 249|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2020-05-10|access-date=2020-05-10}}</ref>
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{{2020 in mixed martial arts}}
{{2020 in mixed martial arts}}


[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship events]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship flagship events]]
[[Category:2020 in mixed martial arts]]
[[Category:2020 in mixed martial arts]]
[[Category:2020 in sports in Florida]]
[[Category:2020 in sports in Florida]]
[[Category:Events in Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:Mixed martial arts in Florida]]
[[Category:Mixed martial arts in Florida]]
[[Category:Sports competitions in Jacksonville, Florida]]
[[Category:Sports competitions in Jacksonville, Florida]]

Latest revision as of 20:21, 18 June 2024

UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje
The poster for UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateMay 9, 2020 (2020-05-09)
VenueVyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
CityJacksonville, Florida, United States
AttendanceNone (behind closed doors)[1]
Buyrate700,000[2]
Event chronology
UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Weidman UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira

UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on May 9, 2020 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.[3][4][5] It was originally planned to take place on April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, United States.[6] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed (see section below).[7] On April 21, the UFC confirmed that UFC 249 would be moved to May 9 and take place in Florida.[3][4]

Background

[edit]

A UFC Lightweight Championship bout between the champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Tony Ferguson (also The Ultimate Fighter: Team Lesnar vs. Team dos Santos welterweight winner) was slated to headline this event.[6] The pairing had previously been scheduled and cancelled for various reasons on four occasions (The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber Finale, UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans, UFC 209 and UFC 223) over the last four years.[8][9][10][11] The bout was cancelled for a fifth time due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic (see section below).

Originally, Khabib Nurmagomedov was expected to make the third defense of his UFC Lightweight Championship at this event, but had to pull out due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A featherweight bout between Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar was expected to take place at UFC 248.[12] However, Stephens was removed from the card in mid-January with an injury.[13] The pairing was rescheduled for this event.[14]

A heavyweight bout between Shamil Abdurakhimov and Ciryl Gane was scheduled for the event. However, it was announced on March 5 that Gane was forced to pull out of the event after he was struck by a pneumothorax in training and the bout was eventually scrapped.[15]

A welterweight bout between former Bellator Welterweight Champion Lyman Good and Belal Muhammad was scheduled for this event.[16] The pairing was previously expected to meet at UFC 205 in November 2016, but Good was pulled from that event after being notified by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) due to a potential anti-doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition drug test.[17] However, Good pulled out due to injury on April 4 and the bout was scrapped.[18] It was announced on April 20 that Good actually tested positive for COVID-19, being the first fighter to publicly acknowledge the fact.[19]

A women's strawweight rematch between former UFC Women's Strawweight Champions Jéssica Andrade and Rose Namajunas was expected to co-headline the event.[20] The pairing previously met at UFC 237 in May 2019, where Andrade won via second round TKO to capture the title.[21] However, Namajunas pulled out on April 8 for personal reasons, with her manager citing a pair of deaths in the family related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.[22][23]

COVID-19 pandemic – the April 18 date is postponed

[edit]

On March 12, New York governor Andrew Cuomo issued an order restricting mass gatherings and sporting events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[citation needed] Four days later, UFC president Dana White announced via a letter to employees shared to the public that this event "is still scheduled as planned, but the location may change".[24] On March 18, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) announced that the event would not be sanctioned to take place at the event's original site, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.[25] On March 23, White revealed that he already had a new location for this event, but would only confirm that it will be held behind closed doors.[26] White subsequently added on March 25 that the card could feature a different lineup, depending on the logistics.[27]

Khabib Nurmagomedov stated on March 30 that he was in Dagestan and his participation at the event could be jeopardized due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[28] He stated on April 1 that he would probably not be competing at the event and reinforced that people should be in quarantine anyhow.[29][30] He later confirmed that he would compete if a location was given and they were able to move him there, but did not see it happening.[31]

Since Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California is located on land owned by the Tachi-Yokut Tribe, part of the Santa Rosa Indian Community, the event did not fall under the jurisdiction of the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) and their ban on combat sports events through the end of May.[32]

The UFC announced on April 6 that Nurmagomedov would be replaced by former WSOF Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje, with an interim title to be disputed between him and Tony Ferguson.[33] The rest of the card also underwent changes, with the following fights being added as well:[34]

The following fights were removed from the event and are expected to be rescheduled for future cards:[34]

A location for the event was not revealed, but Dana White said the UFC's temporary home would host U.S.-based fighters who aren't barred from traveling domestically.[38] On April 7, Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Halsey Beshears made a post on Twitter, offering to help sanction and host UFC events in the state.[39] It was later revealed that the event was expected to take place at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore, California, the site of several events for the defunct World Extreme Cagefighting and Tachi Palace Fights promotions.[40]

On April 9, White announced that this event would not take place as scheduled and all other UFC events would be suspended until further notice, citing interventions from high-ranking staff of the UFC's U.S. media rightsholders, ESPN Inc. and parent The Walt Disney Company.[41][42] It was later revealed that the 40th governor of California, Gavin Newsom, influenced the decision of cancelling the event.[43]

May 9 – a new date is set for the event

[edit]

The promotion originally planned UFC 250 to take place at Ginásio do Ibirapuera in São Paulo, Brazil on May 9.[44] On April 7, it was announced that the venue would be used as a field hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and would not be able to host the fight card.[45]

A UFC Bantamweight Championship bout between the current champion Henry Cejudo (also former UFC Flyweight Champion and 2008 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling) and former WEC and two-time UFC Featherweight Champion José Aldo was expected to serve as that event's headliner.[46] However, Aldo withdrew on April 8 due to visa issues as the event was expected to be moved to the United States. While not officially announced by the promotion at the time, former two-time bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz (who hadn't fought since December 2016) was expected to replace him.[47]

A UFC Women's Featherweight Championship bout between the current champion Amanda Nunes (also the current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion) and former Invicta FC Featherweight Champion Felicia Spencer was expected to serve as the co-headliner.[48] Nunes announced on April 20 that she would not compete on this date due to her desire to have a full training camp.[49]

Due to the event being expected to be relocated to the United States, several changes were made due to fighters being unable to compete due to visa issues:[50]

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena hosted the much anticipated return of the UFC amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]

On April 21, it was announced that the UFC moved UFC 249 to the new date, marking the promotion's return after the first wave of cancellations, most likely in Florida.[3][4] Florida venues are permitted to host UFC events behind closed doors as a result of Executive Order 20-91 signed April 9, 2020 by governor Ron DeSantis, specifically stating as an essential service, "employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience - including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production - only if the location is closed to the general public."[52] They confirmed the new card on April 24, with the Ferguson vs. Gaethje bout still scheduled to serve as the event headliner.[53] The organization also announced that it would host two other events on May 13 and 16, both in Jacksonville. The rest of the card featured the following fights:[53]

Fights that were originally expected to take place at this event on April 18, but later expected to be rescheduled for future cards included Hernandez vs. Morales, Vera vs. Borg, Worthy vs. Johnson and a women's bantamweight bout between Sijara Eubanks and Sarah Moras.[53]

At the weigh-ins, Jeremy Stephens weighed in at 150.5 pounds, four and a half pounds over the featherweight non-title fight limit. He was fined 30% of his purse and his bout with Calvin Kattar proceeded at a catchweight.[57] Additionally, a middleweight bout between former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Ronaldo Souza and Uriah Hall was cancelled after Souza and two of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.[58]

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Lightweight Justin Gaethje def. Tony Ferguson TKO (punch) 5 3:39 [a]
Bantamweight Henry Cejudo (c) def. Dominick Cruz TKO (knee and punches) 2 4:58 [b]
Heavyweight Francis Ngannou def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik KO (punches) 1 0:20
Catchweight (150.5 lb) Calvin Kattar def. Jeremy Stephens KO (elbows) 2 2:49
Heavyweight Greg Hardy def. Yorgan De Castro Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) 3 5:00
Preliminary Card (ESPN)
Welterweight Anthony Pettis def. Donald Cerrone Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Heavyweight Alexey Oleynik def. Fabrício Werdum Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Women's Strawweight Carla Esparza def. Michelle Waterson Decision (split) (27–30, 29–28, 30–27) 3 5:00
Welterweight Vicente Luque def. Niko Price TKO (doctor stoppage) 3 3:37
Early Preliminary Card (ESPN)
Featherweight Bryce Mitchell def. Charles Rosa Decision (unanimous) (30–25, 30–25, 30–24) 3 5:00
Light Heavyweight Ryan Spann def. Sam Alvey Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28) 3 5:00
  1. ^ For the interim UFC Lightweight Championship.
  2. ^ For the UFC Bantamweight Championship.

[59]

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.[60]

  • Fight of the Night: Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje
  • Performance of the Night: Justin Gaethje and Francis Ngannou

Reported payout

[edit]

The following is the reported payout to the fighters as reported to the Florida State Boxing Commission. It does not include sponsor money and also does not include the UFC's traditional "fight night" bonuses. The total disclosed payout for the event was $3,557,000.[61]

  • Justin Gaethje: $350,000 def. Tony Ferguson: $500,000
  • Henry Cejudo: $350,000 def. Dominick Cruz: $300,000
  • Francis Ngannou: $260,000 def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik: $80,000
  • Calvin Kattar: $116,100 def. Jeremy Stephens: $46,900 ^
  • Greg Hardy: $180,000 def. Yorgan de Castro: $12,000
  • Anthony Pettis: $310,000 def. Donald Cerrone: $200,000
  • Aleksei Oleinik: $160,000 def. Fabrício Werdum: $100,000
  • Carla Esparza: $102,000 def. Michelle Waterson: $60,000
  • Vicente Luque: $180,000 def. Niko Price: $57,000
  • Bryce Mitchell: $54,000 def. Charles Rosa: $24,000
  • Ryan Spann: $50,000 def. Sam Alvey: $65,000

^ Due to weighing in over the limit, 30% ($20,100) of Stephens' purse went to Kattar.

Aftermath

[edit]

During the broadcast, it was announced that former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Georges St-Pierre would be inducted into the Modern Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.[62]

Henry Cejudo announced his retirement immediately after his TKO victory over Dominick Cruz.[63]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Staff (2020-05-10). "UFC 249 gets Mixed Martial Arts back underway behind closed doors in Florida". abc.net.au. Retrieved 2020-09-10.
  2. ^ Kevin Iole (2020-05-12). "UFC 249 generates over 700,000 PPV buys on ESPN+". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2020-05-12.
  3. ^ a b c Damon Martin (2020-04-21). "UFC 249 gets second life as May 9 event at TBA location". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
  4. ^ a b c Mike Heck (2020-04-21). "UFC 249 pay-per-view headed to Florida on May 9". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
  5. ^ a b Mike Bohn (2020-04-24). "Report: UFC 249 headed to VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-24.
  6. ^ a b Mark La Monica (2019-12-14). "Khabib vs. Ferguson set for UFC 249 at Barclays". newsday.com. Retrieved 2019-12-14.
  7. ^ Brett Okamoto (2020-04-09). "Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  8. ^ Marc Raimondi (2015-10-30). "Edson Barboza steps in for Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Tony Ferguson at TUF Finale". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
  9. ^ Damon Martin (2016-04-05). "Tony Ferguson out; Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira set as new main event". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
  10. ^ Marc Raimondi (2017-03-03). "UFC releases statement on Khabib Nurmagomedov". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
  11. ^ Ryan Harkness (2018-04-01). "You won't believe how Tony Ferguson injured his knee and ended up off UFC 223". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2019-12-16.
  12. ^ Jesse Holland (2020-01-06). "UFC 248: Jeremy Stephens vs Calvin Kattar on tap for March 7 in Las Vegas". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2020-02-07.
  13. ^ Nolan King (2020-01-16). "Jeremy Stephens injured, out of planned UFC 248 bout vs. Calvin Kattar; rescheduling expected". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-01-16.
  14. ^ Nolan King (2020-01-23). "Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens in the works for UFC 249". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  15. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2020-03-05). "Ciryl Gane out of UFC 249 fight with Shamil Abdurakhimov". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-03-06.
  16. ^ Farah Hannoun and Mike Bohn (2020-02-11). "Belal Muhammad vs. Lyman Good added to UFC 249 in Brooklyn". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
  17. ^ Staff (2016-10-24). "Lyman Good receives USADA notice, pulled from UFC 205". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
  18. ^ Danny Segura (2020-04-04). "Lyman Good out of UFC 249 bout with Belal Muhammad due to injury". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
  19. ^ Marc Raimondi (2020-04-20). "UFC's Lyman Good now '100%' after testing positive for COVID-19 last month". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-20.
  20. ^ Mike Bohn (2020-01-09). "Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade agree to rematch at UFC 249 in Brooklyn". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  21. ^ Sohail Syed (2019-05-12). "UFC 237 results – Jessica Andrade KO's Rose Namajunas in round 2, wins strawweight belt". mmaindia.com. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  22. ^ Marc Raimondi and Ariel Helwani (2020-04-08). "Rose Namajunas pulls out of UFC 249 bout vs. Jessica Andrade". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  23. ^ Newswire (2020-04-09). "Manager: Rose Namajunas withdrew from UFC 249 after COVID-19 deaths in family". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  24. ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (2020-03-15). "UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  25. ^ Nick Baldwin (2020-03-18). "Commission stops UFC 249 from happening in New York". thescore.com. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  26. ^ Mike Bohn (2020-03-23). "Dana White says he has location for UFC 249; confirms closed-door event". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-03-24.
  27. ^ Nolan King (2020-03-25). "Dana White: UFC 249 could add Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik, other fights". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-03-25.
  28. ^ Ariel Helwani (2020-03-30). "Khabib Nurmagomedov stuck in Russia, hears new Tony Ferguson opponent sought". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-03-30.
  29. ^ Danny Segura (2020-04-01). "Khabib Nurmagomedov confirms he's out of UFC 249: 'I can't control it all'". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-01.
  30. ^ Damon Martin (2020-04-02). "Khabib Nurmagomedov fires back at criticism over not fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 249". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
  31. ^ Damon Martin (2020-04-04). "Khabib Nurmagomedov ready to fight, but 'I don't know the location … this is not professional'". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
  32. ^ Damon Martin (2020-04-07). "Reports: UFC 249 finds home on California tribal land". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  33. ^ Marc Raimondi (2020-04-06). "Dana White says Tony Ferguson-Justin Gaethje to headline UFC 249". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  34. ^ a b Alexander K. Lee (2020-04-06). "UFC 249 fight card announced, Andrade vs. Namajunas 2 still co-headlines". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  35. ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (2020-03-15). "UFC postpones three events amid growing coronavirus outbreak". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  36. ^ Steven Marrocco (2017-10-28). "UFC Fight Night 119 results: Vicente Luque taps Niko Price with brilliant D'Arce choke". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-24.
  37. ^ Damon Martin (2020-02-29). "UFC Norfolk results: Magomed Ankalaev earns KO over Ion Cutelaba in highly controversial stoppage". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  38. ^ Steven Marrocco (2020-04-07). "Dana White's COVID-19 plan: Two months of weekly fights at UFC 249 location, a private island, and Joe Rogan". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  39. ^ Staff (2020-04-07). "Regulator opens door to UFC events in Florida amid coronavirus pandemic". news4jax.com. Retrieved 2020-04-16.
  40. ^ Kevin Draper (2020-04-07). "UFC 249, skirting coronavirus limits, is set for tribal land in California". The New York Times. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  41. ^ Brett Okamoto (2020-04-09). "Dana White says UFC 249 will not happen April 18". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  42. ^ Damon Martin (2020-04-09). "UFC 249, upcoming events postponed due to coronavirus pandemic, Dana White promises 'Fight Island' will proceed". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  43. ^ Simon Samano (2020-04-09). "Report: California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked Disney to shut down UFC 249". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-10.
  44. ^ Raphael Marinho (2020-01-17). "UFC plans UFC 250 in São Paulo with Henry Cejudo vs. José Aldo of main event". globoesporte.globo.com. Retrieved 2020-01-17. (in Portuguese)
  45. ^ Raphael Marinho (2020-04-07). "With Ibirapuera assigned as a field hospital, UFC 250 will not be held in São Paulo". globoesporte.globo.com. Retrieved 2020-04-08. (in Portuguese)
  46. ^ Brett Okamoto (2020-02-24). "Jose Aldo to challenge Henry Cejudo at UFC 250 in Brazil". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-02-24.
  47. ^ Ana Hissa and Raphael Marinho (2020-04-09). "José Aldo out of UFC 250 and Ultimate expects to book Henry Cejuro against Dominick Cruz". globoesporte.globo.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09. (in Portuguese)
  48. ^ Brett Okamoto (2020-03-05). "Amanda Nunes to defend featherweight title against Felicia Spencer at UFC 250". espn.com. Retrieved 2020-03-05.
  49. ^ Steven Marrocco (2020-04-20). "Amanda Nunes announces she won't fight at May 9 UFC event". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2020-04-20.
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