Spinning Back Clique: New main event, new card, but UFC 249 still in limbo

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, “Gorgeous” George, “Goze” and Mike Bohn react to the latest on UFC 249 and more.

SHOW RUNDOWN:

• UFC 249 has a new main event with an interim lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje after the withdrawal of champion Khabib Nurmagomedov because of Russia’s travel ban during the coronavirus pandemic. Thoughts on the matchup and the fact that it’s for an interim belt: Did the UFC get the matchmaking right?
• Not only does UFC 249 have a new headliner, it also has a revamped 12-fight lineup that features some original fights mixed with new ones. What it still doesn’t have – at least not officially – is a location, although Dana White has said he’s got one in mind and nearly finalized; he just doesn’t want to reveal where it is, although ESPN has reported somewhere “on the West Coast of the United States.” We’re getting closer and closer to April 18 and the possibility of UFC 249 actually happening. Is this OK?
• White was among several major heads of sports leagues to be on a conference call with President Donald Trump to discuss a plan on bringing back games and events as COVID-19 continues to impact the nation in a big way. We’ve seen the UFC’s general approach: The show must go on. Do you think other leagues will follow the UFC’s lead?
• Now that we’ve gone an entire month with MMA at a standstill and lacking fights, who’s stood out as someone keeping their profiles up during lockdown?
• Is now the time for the UFC to consider making some changes – maybe adding or subtracting a division, for example?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 23 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.