Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje confirmed as new UFC 249 main event with venue still to be decided

Gaethje will headline against Ferguson for the interim belt. (Picture: Getty Images)

Justin Gaethje will take on Tony Ferguson in the UFC 249 main event after being drafted in to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Ferguson on April 18 but has been unable to leave his native Russia due to strict travel restrictions imposed in attempts to battle the spread of coronavirus.

UFC have now confirmed Gaethje as his replacement for a bout which will now be fought for the interim lightweight title.

While a new headline act has been confirmed, UFC are still to confirm where the event will be hosted.

STRAP IN. 🏆 #UFC249 pic.twitter.com/jXPNYAjX3h

— UFC (@ufc)

April 6, 2020

UFC president Dana White has promised a further announcement in due course, tweeting: “The fight is signed and is 100 per cent on LIVE on ESPN somewhere on Earth!!!!”

Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to put his title on the line on April 18 in Brooklyn, New York before the coronavirus pandemic left UFC officials scrambling for a new location.