UFC 249: Will it Happen?
Ready for UFC 249 picks and betting odds & predictions? If everything goes according to plan, this will be the fourth PPV event of the new year, headlined with the lightweight championship between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. The co-main event will be a rematch between Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade.
Event: UFC 249: Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson
Scheduled Date: Saturday, April 18, 2020
UFC 249 is easily the most anticipated UFC event of the year thus far, but is in danger of being postponed/cancelled because of the pandemic that is the coronavirus.
Not just UFC 249, but the events spanning from April to an unknown end are all in a juggernaut.
Just last week, the UFC cancelled the two remaining March events and the first event of April, leaving UFC 249 slated to be the next event.
This one holds more weight than the rest, as Khabib and Tony have been scheduled to fight a number of times but have yet to share a dance. The one time that both fighters are healthy and good to go, a global virus sends the world into a frenzy. Tough scene.
The betting odds for this to take place are +160 to happen and -220 for it to be cancelled. Here is the case for both sides of the bar.
Take Place at +160
I am not a doctor, so this isn’t going to be filled with statistics or possible medical vaccines that could cure this virus by mid-April. What I do know is how bad Dana White, the organization, and the fans want this fight. It is easily one of if not the most anticipated fights in UFC history.
This past Friday, an MMA event in London took place with an empty crowd and seemed to run smoothly. Could ole’ Uncle Dana bring this fight to another country with an empty arena? Yes, that is possible, the +160 does it’s likelihood a favor.
Cancelled/Postponed at -220
Those who are rather pessimistic and point out the flaws including lack of venue, fighter safety, national guidelines and everything in between.
They do have a point here. To think that this will be completely in the clear in less than a month’s time is wishful thinking and leans somewhat irrational.
Like I said, I am not qualified to answer any questions behind the logistics of it nor am I one who skims through three articles and believe I earned a doctorate degree, but the backlash the company would be bombarded with may not outweigh the reward.
Another layer to this would be if the fighters feel safe enough to fight. The barbaric cock-fighters that fill the UFC roster are another breed of people, but I would think they are all eager to fight and earn a paycheck.
FREE MMA FUTURE PROP: Cancelled at -220
Betting wise, there isn’t much value here, but I don’t foresee anyway the UFC has any events in April and possibly May. Hopefully it gets postponed and not completely cancelled as the fans and fighters deserve this fight. Time will tell. Everyone stay safe!