Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals He’s Stranded in Russia Due to Travel Restrictions

The UFC 249 headliner could be in serious jeopardy, as Khabib Nurmagomedov is apparently stranded in Russia due to government travel restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The reigning lightweight champion revealed his predicament during an Instagram Live video (translation via RT Sport) on Monday. Nurmagomedov spent part of his camp at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif., but returned to Russia last week upon learning that the promotion had designs on moving UFC 249 to Abu Dhabi.

"We were training in the AKA without any information regarding the fight, where and how is it going to happen. Then the UFC told us that the fight 100 percent isn't happening in the States. And they said that 99 percent that it will happen in [United Arab] Emirates, Abu Dhabi,” Nurmagomedov said. "After talking to the UFC we decided to fly over to the Emirates a month before the fight. I don't remember the exact date, it was 19th or 20th, I'll have to check. But when we landed in Emirates we learned that they are going to close borders. And no one will be able to leave or fly in, with exception for residents.

"So we had to fly back to Russia. Currently I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day,” he continued. “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 like in the States, same like in Europe, Emirates, everywhere. The whole world is in quarantine right now.”

Russia closed its borders as of Monday to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has resulted in more than 1,800 reported cases in the country as of this writing.

Nurmagomedov was slated to defend his 155-pound belt against Tony Ferguson in the UFC 249 main event. The highly anticipated fight between the two lightweight standouts has already been scrapped on four previous occasions. In numerous interviews, UFC president Dana White has vowed to do whatever it takes to make the fight happen, although the promotion has not formally announced a venue for the event.

Ferguson took to social media on Monday morning to call out Nurmagomedov for “hiding in Russia.” Nurmagomedov said he has heard that the card could proceed without him, and a replacement opponent for Ferguson could be selected.

“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me. OK, go ahead. Everyone should follow the laws. I am not against it, I know that fighters need to feed their families and pay their bills. I know how hard it is for the fighter. Unless they fight they aren't getting any money,” Nurmagomedov said. "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.

"The UFC told me that this fight 100 percent isn't happening in the USA, and even if it's not happening in the Emirates, it will happen on this side of Atlantic. We discussed everything with the UFC. By that time I already spent five weeks of hard training in the AKA.

"Now I don't really know what's going on. It's really hard to train and cut your weight when the whole world is locked down and you don't know what you are preparing for. But it's not the first time I face obstacles in my career.”