In-Depth UFC 249 Breakdown: Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs. Justin Gaethje

5. Background

Unlike most main events in the UFC, we've barely had any time to really build up to this battle of the lightweight contenders. It was only a couple of days ago that UFC president Dana White spoke with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto and announced that Justin Gaethje would step in to face Tony Ferguson after UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was stranded in Russia after the country closed its borders due to the COVID-19 crisis.

With Nurmagomedov out of the main event, a number of fighters announced that they were available and ready to compete on social media, but it was Gaethje who was given the shot at El Cucuy on the 18th April. It's an extremely dangerous battle for Ferguson, as a loss to Gaethje would derail his shot at the title. However, an impressive victory against his short notice replacement would only make the eventual battle with Nurmagomedov that more exciting.

For Gaethje, he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Considering his technical, yet wild fight style, he won't be afraid to go for broke with the opportunity to face the champion on the line.