Khabib Nurmagomedov next fight: Why is he out of UFC 249? When could he return to the Octagon?

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC future is up in the air after he was forced to pull out of his UFC 249 bout against Tony Ferguson amid the ongoing problems surrounding coronavirus.

The Eagle won on his Octagon comeback last September after nearly a year out following his controversial win over Conor McGregor.

He headlined UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi and successfully defended his lightweight title by submitting Dustin Poirier in the third round.

The 30-year-old had been gearing up for his next fight for several months but his headliner at UFC 249 had to be cancelled.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov should return to UFC later this year

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Khabib Nurmagomedov next fight: When is it?

Khabib Nurmagomedov was set to headline UFC 249 by taking on Tony Ferguson.

But despite the best efforts of the UFC and president Dana White, Khabib and Ferguson’s bout had to be postponed for the FIFTH time.

Lightweight champ Khabib ruled himself out as he remained in coronavirus lockdown in Russia but the entire card was then shelved.

Posting on Instagram, he said: “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.

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Blood in the lungs, tiramisu and near-death experiences: Why Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson have STILL never fought in the UFC

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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson was set to happen on April 18

“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.”

UFC 249 was cancelled a few days after Nurmagomedov’s statement despite White’s efforts to put on a show.

The event has since be rescheduled for May 9 with Ferguson taking on Justin Gaethje.

But there has been no official confirmation about when Nurmagomedov could return to the Octagon.

The Russian is expected to fight later in 2020 and talkSPORT will bring you the latest news on his return as soon as possible.

Francis Ngannou continues to train amid the COVID-19 outbreak – despite his fight with Jairzinho Rozenstruik getting postponed

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