Sunday’s event is headlined by a cobbled together clash between Tony Ferguson (25-3) and Justin Gaethje (21-2) after Khabib Nurmagomedov couldn’t go due to travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. Other main card fights include Henry Cejudo vs Dominic Cruz and Greg Hardy vs Yorgan de Castro.
Instead of taking place in Brooklyn, N.Y., as initially scheduled, the event will take place in Jacksonville, Fla., with no fans in attendance.
This is the first full UFC card since UFC 248 happened on March 7.
Here is everything you need to know about Tony Ferguson’s lightweight showdown with Justin Gaethje, including the start time, fight card, PPV price and odds for UFC 249.
MORE: Khabib Nurmagomedov says he is still ready to fight Tony Ferguson
What time does UFC 249 start?
Date: Saturday, May 9 UFC 249 time: 6:30 p. m. ET | 3:30 p. m. PT Main card: 10 p. m. ET | 7 p. m. PT Ferguson vs. Gaethje: 12:15 a. m. ET (approx. )
Fight fans are in for a big night of action Saturday with 12 bouts slated over a span of more than six hours. The preliminary fights are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET.
Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje are expected to step into the octagon around midnight ET to close out the night in style in a matchup that will determine the interim lightweight title.
UFC 249 PPV price: How much does the card cost?
$64. 99 (ESPN+ subscribers) $84. 99 (new subscribers)
Pricing for the main card in the U.S. on ESPN+ pay per view is separated between current subscribers and newcomers. Existing subscribers will pay $64.99, while newcomers will be asked to shell out $84.98 for a bundle that includes the fight and an annual subscription to the streaming service.
Preliminary fights will be broadcast on ESPN for TV cable subscribers.
Where is UFC 249 taking place?
The event, which has faced several hurdles and delays since being announced, will be held at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., without fans in attendance. UFC previously tried to push through with a plan to hold fights in California, but was ultimately told to stop the effort amid political backlash and advice from ESPN.
Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje odds for UFC 249
Tony Ferguson is considered the favorite at -173 on Sports Insider, meaning a successful wager of $178 would net a $100 gain.
UFC 249 fight card
Main Card
Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje — Interim lightweight title Henry Cejudo vs Dominic Cruz — Bantamweight title Francis Ngannou vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik — Heavyweight Jeremy Stephens vs Calvin Kattar — Featherweight Greg Hardy vs Yorgan de Castro — Heavyweight
Preliminary Card
Donald Cerrone vs Anthony Pettis — Welterweight Aleksei Oleinik vs Fabricio Werdum — Heavyweight Carla Esparza vs Michelle Waterson — Women’s strawweight Uriah Hall vs Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza — Middleweight
Early Preliminary Card
Vicente Luque vs Niko Price — Welterweight Bryce Mitchell vs Charles Rosa — Featherweight Ryan Spann vs Sam Alvey — Light heavyweight
