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Justin Gaethje to Replace Khabib Nurmagomedov, Fight Tony Ferguson in UFC 249

UFC 249 is still on schedule for April 18, with Tony Ferguson fighting Justin Gaethje for an interim lightweight title in the main event.

Although UFC President Dana White hasn’t announced a venue for his promotion’s biggest pay-per-view show of the spring, he remains determined to hold an event in less than two weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The mixed martial arts promotion announced the change to UFC 249′s main event bout Monday. Gaethje replaces lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is apparently unable to leave Russia amid the pandemic.

“The fight is signed and is 100% ON LIVE on ESPN somewhere on EARTH!