In a week that has seen coronavirus make unprecedented headlines around the globe, UFC’s Khabib Nurmagomedov had some bold statements of his own in a heated press conference between himself and former UFC interim champion Tony Ferguson last Friday ahead of their highly anticipated 155lb title fight booked in for April 18.In what is a fairly time-honoured tradition in the world of mixed martial arts, the UFC in particular, a press conference is held between the two competing fighters in what is essentially a trash-talking exhibition in front of press and fight fans.This was no different and Khabib certainly stepped up; in one heated exchange Nurmagomedov set about rattling Ferguson branding him a street fighter, followed with stating that he’d win if they ever locked horns outside of the Octagon.Fans quickly reacted to Nurmagomedov’s comments and took to social media to dig out a not-so-well-aged tweet dating back to 2015 which see Khabib claim to not be a street fighter and smear anybody who is [a street fighter] thugs.In and amongst the street fighting smearing of Ferguson, the two lightweights clashed over nationality with Nurmagomedov branding his opponent a ‘fake Mexican’.Nurmagomedov, who remains unbeaten in the Octagon and arguably one of the company’s biggest box office draws continued in a heated exchange of words:“Who are you?“You’ve fought a few American guys. You’ve never fought in the streets.“I’m from [Russia]. I can eat you. What are you talking about?“You’re not from Mexico…

“You’re not a real Mexican. You’re a fake Mexican. First, you say you’re American, now you’re talking about you being Mexican.

“Where are you from? Where are you from? You’re not real Mexican. No, no, no, buddy, you’re a California guy. You’re not Mexican. These two are different.” (Transcribed by SportsBible)

Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson is the main event in what is set to be a jam-packed UFC 249 fight card set for a little over a month from now centre stage in Brooklyn, New York.

There is however obvious and growing concern that many sporting events such as UFC 249 will not take place due to the mass outbreak of the coronavirus; the international pandemic has already halted major sports worldwide.