UFC 249 finally has a new venue. The event will take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The UFC pounced on a chance to hold their events in the Sunshine State as sports activities were deemed essential businesses. Dana White appeared on Instagram Live with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto. Here he spoke about Fight Island and also shared his views on the UFC 249 main event.
“Ferguson-Gaethje will be violent”- Dana White
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Dana White said, “Ferguson-Gaethje fight is one of the most violent you will ever see. I can guarantee that. That the fight is going to be incredible. Both of these guys. Their style. The way they fight. Their mindset. This fight’s unbelievably violent. It’s going to be an incredible fight. Two of the best in the world. And the winner will fight Khabib for the title.”
Okamoto probed for an official confirmation. He asked Dana, “So the winner is obviously guaranteed the fight against Khabib?“
The UFC President replied, “100%.”
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Tony Ferguson is on a 12 fight win streak and was set to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, ‘The Eagle’ pulled out of the event. Subsequently, ‘El Cucuy’ agreed to fight for an Interim Title. In doing so, he jeopardized his guaranteed shot against the Champion.
Justin Gaethje has been the lucky one in this scenario. He agreed to fight ‘El Cucuy’ at short notice. Now he has had much more time to prepare and will look to deny the 36-year-old a chance to become the maiden two-time Interim Lightweight Champion. The fight is a big draw on an equally big card.
UFC 249 also sees the return of Dominick Cruz, who will fight Henry Cejudo for the Bantamweight title. Also on the card is a Heavyweight clash between second-ranked Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Like the main event, this fight is on its third card. It was to headline UFC Fight Night Columbus. Later it was to be held at UFC 249 at Tachi Palace Casino Resort.
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Who do you see triumphing on May 9th and earning the right to fight ‘The Eagle?’