Khabib confirms fight with Tony Ferguson is OFF as UFC lightweight champ hits out at plans to make him travel

KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV vs Tony Ferguson is OFF and the Russian hit out at plans to make him travel during the coronavirus outbreak.

The pair were due to meet on April 18 but the lightweight champ took to Instagram to pull the plug and swipe at those expecting him to break quarantine rules.

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Earlier today, the Federal Air Transport Agency hinted Khabib’s lockdown in Russia could be ended.

The organisation said that there are “no restrictions for business aviation on departure from Russia" but the 31-year-old was not happy with the insinuation.

He posted a picture of himself alongside a caption that read: "Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight, it turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine.

"Governments of all countries, famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease, to save people.

"And Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight?

"I understand everything and I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can’t control it all.

"The greatest countries and the largest companies of our time are shocked by what is happening, every day the situation changes unpredictably.

"But Khabib still has to fight, is that what you saying?

"Take care of yourself and put yourself in my shoes."

Khabib opened up to his fans on his live Instagram video on Monday explaining how he is currently on coronavirus lockdown in Russia.

He admitted it is doubtful as to whether he would make the April 18 showdown with Ferguson at UFC 249 in Brooklyn, New York.

The 31-year-old Russian said: “Currently, I am in Dagestan and I am training and preparing every day.

“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 as in the States, the same as in Europe, Emirates, everywhere.

“The whole world is in quarantine right now.

“So now I am hearing that they are looking to organize it with or without me.”

However, the Federal Air Transport Agency said “private” flights out of Russia to the USA for “business” purposes are possible bringing some hope for the big fight to happen.

The agency said: “In order for Khabib to be able to fly to the United States in a private jet, the company whose services he intends to use must obtain permission to fly from Russia and to arrive in the United States.

“There are no restrictions for business aviation on departure from Russia.”