Even if the UFC succeeds in putting on UFC 249 next month, the amount of logistical issues could be detrimental to the event. That’s already proving to be the case for one matchup. Light heavyweights Magomed Ankalaev and Ion Cutelaba are set to rematch on the April 18 card, but now that fight is in limbo due to some new travel sanctions. Ankalaev, who lives in Russia, could be hindered by the country’s decision Saturday to ban all cross-border travel because of the global coronavirus pandemic. As of Monday, anyone outside of “diplomats or members of official delegations” will not be allowed to cross the Russian border. UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is expected to face Tony Ferguson in the UFC 249 main event, already has left the country, according to reports, after returning there once a stay-at-home order was issued in California, where American Kickboxing Academy is based in San Jose.
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Magomed Ankalaev’s UFC 249 rematch with Ion Cutelaba in limbo after Russia travel ban – MMA Junkie