UFC 249: Date, location, UK start time, live stream, TV channel, prelims and coronavirus update after Khabib WITHDRAWS – The Sun

UFC 249 was all set to be a potential classic – but the UFC appear to have lost their main headline bout.

The biggest event of the evening was unbeaten lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov putting his crown on the line against former interim title holder Tony Ferguson.

The pair have previously been scheduled to fight on FOUR separate occasions, but every one of those bouts has been cancelled before the fighters could settle things in the Octagon – and the curse has seemingly struck again.

When is UFC 249?

KHABIB vs Ferguson was originally set for a headline slot in Brooklyn, New York.

But UFC boss Dana White revealed that the location could change over coronavirus fears.

The current rule in the US has banned gatherings of more than 10 people inside, meaning the card is set to be held behind closed doors.

White has insisted the event will go ahead with “10 people in the room” and blasted “wimpiest” critics who have called for the fight to be axed amid the pandemic.

Fight night is on Sunday, April 19 with a UK start time of 12am BST.

Why has the headline bout been cancelled?

DESPITE White's best efforts, Khabib and Ferguson's bout looks set to be postponed for the FIFTH time.

Lightweight champ Khabib has ruled himself out of his title showdown as he remains in coronavirus lockdown.

Posting on Instagram, the Russian revealed: "Currently, I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day, although I don't know what am I preparing for, because after we came to Russia we also learned that the borders are going to be locked.

"Same as the States, same in Europe, Emirates – everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now.

“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organise it with or without me. OK, go ahead.

“I am even hearing that they are looking for an opponent for Tony, because he is in the States and I am here in Russia. But I am here not on my own will."

It remains to be seen if the UFC draft in another opponent for Ferguson – or whether the entire card will be suspended.

Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?

PROVIDED it goes ahead, fight fans on this side of the pond will be able to watch this bout on BT Sport.

Pay-per-view information is yet to be released from BT Sport Box Office.

Check back to SunSport for regular UFC updates and the very latest MMA news.

Who else is set to fight?

WITH the whole show now in jeapordy, here's how the updated fight card.

  • TBA vs Tony Ferguson (UFC lightweight Championship)
  • Jessica Andrade vs Rose Namajunas (women's straw-weight)
  • Jeremy Stephens vs Calvin Kattar (featherweight)
  • Karl Roberson vs Makhmud Muradov (middleweight)
  • Shamil Abdurakhimov vs TBA (heavyweight)
  • Uriah Hall vs Ronaldo Sauza (middleweight)
  • Lyman Good vs Belal Muhammad (welterweight)
  • Ben Rothwell vs Gian Villante (heavyweight)
  • Khama Worthy vs Ottman Azaitar (lightweight)
  • Sijara Eubanks vs Sarah Moras (women's bantamweight)

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