Khabib Nurmagomedov's huge lightweight showdown against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 has been cancelled for a fifth time.

The bout was already set to be moved from New York due to the coronavirus pandemic restricting mass public events in the US.

But the Russian flew back to his home country amid uncertainty about where the show was taking place and has now confirmed the clash will not be happening.

Speaking on Instagram, he said: "Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight, it turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine, governments of all countries, famous people around the world urge people to follow all safety requirements in order to limit the spread of the disease, to save people, and Khabib is the only one relieved of all obligations and must demonstrate free will and train flying around the world, for the sake of fight?

"I understand everything and I’m definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can’t control it all. 

"The greatest countries and the largest companies of our time are shocked by what is happening, every day the situation changes unpredictably. But Khabib still has to fight, is that what you saying? Take care of yourself and put yourself in my shoes."

When questions began to surround Khabib as to whether he was going to fight at UFC 249, ESPN reported that Justin Gaethje had been approached to fill in for the Russian against Ferguson.

Conor McGregor's coach John Kavanagh has also hinted at the possibility of the Irishman stepping in on short notice.