The UFC’s mantra of the ‘show must go on’ looks set to provide sports fans with some mouth-watering action over the coming weeks.
With Khabib Nurmagomedov pulling out of his upcoming fight with Tony Ferguson there were major doubts that UFC 249 wouldn’t go ahead, but that is far from the case.
UFC boss Dana White has confirmed that Justin Gaethje will step up to fight Ferguson for the interim lightweight belt and the rest of the card will also proceed.
Read on as we look at UFC 249, assess the latest MMA odds for the main event and predict who we think will come out on top.
UFC heading to private island
The New York State Athletic Commission’s refusal to host the event in Brooklyn left White with a major problem to overcome, but he is nothing if not resourceful.
During a video interview with TMZ.com, White confirmed that he was planning to fly the fighters to an unusual location in order to keep the UFC rolling.
“I have a private island that I’ve secured – we’re getting the infrastructure put in now, so I’m gonna start doing the international fights, too,” he said.
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“With international fighters, because I won’t be able to get international fighters into the US, I have a private island that I’m gonna start flying them all in and doing international fights from there.
“So, as of April 18th, the UFC is back up and running. We have all our own planes and everything. They’re gonna fly into the island, get the fighters.”
Ferguson fancied to maintain his form
Ferguson is rated as the 13/25 to beat Gaethje and maintain his excellent run of form in mixed martial arts.
The 36-year-old currently has a 25-3 record and is riding a 12-fight winning streak heading into UFC 249.
He has been hugely impressive in his most recent bouts, defeating Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis and Kevin Lee inside the distance.
A victory for Ferguson over Gaethje would keep him on course to face Nurmagomedov, although fate does appear to be conspiring against the two fighters.
Fights between him and the Russian have now been booked and fallen through on five occasions and it appears that they may destined never to meet in the Octagon.
A golden opportunity for Gaethje
Bookies rate Gaethje (21-2) as a 31/20 shot to defeat Ferguson and it would be foolish to underestimate his chances of achieving the feat.
The 31-year-old has bounced back from successive defeats to record three consecutive finishes over James Vick, Edson Barboza and Cerrone.
‘The Highlight’ has only twice gone to decision in 23 career fights as a professional and will fancy his chances of causing an upset against Ferguson.
His six fights in the UFC have seen him pick up $50,000 bonuses for either performance of the night or fight of night, highlighting his ability.
Gaethje destroyed Cerrone in his last outing and his all-action style could give Ferguson problems if he doesn’t produce his best form.
UFC 249 CARD
Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje
Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas
Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan De Castro
Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price
Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza
Alexander Hernandez vs. Omar Morales
Ray Borg vs. Marlon Vera
Michael Johnson vs. Khama Worthy
Sijara Eubanks vs. Sarah Moras
Sam Alvey vs. Ryan Spann
Prediction: Gaethje has the tools to cause problems for Ferguson, but this does represent a step up in class for the Arizona native. Ferguson will be desperate to keep himself in the running to face Nurmagomedov for the title and he should win inside the distance.
