Khabib Nurmagomedov recently reflected on his canceled fight with Tony Ferguson. Additionally, Nurmagomedov revealed the only way Ferguson may have defeated him.
The Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson rivalry is widely recognized as one of the most intense in the promotion’s history. Their fight was booked five times between 2015 and 2020. However, each time it fell through. The then-lightweight champion Nurmagomedov agreed to face Ferguson at UFC 249 in April 2020 in their fifth and final booking.
Unfortunately, Nurmagomedov’s travel restrictions relating to COVID prevented him from entering the United States. Ferguson was then scheduled to face Justin Gaethje for the interim title, which would ultimately result in the 40-year-old’s first defeat in his current losing run.
During a recent appearance on the Inspire Me Podcast, Nurmagomedov spoke to host Adam Catterall and discussed his failed matchup with Ferguson, saying:
”I feel little bit sad.”
Nurmagomedov also revealed the only way Ferguson could have defeated him, saying:
”My game is worse for him, he doesn’t have wrestling, grappling so what’s he gonna do with me? How’s he gonna stop me? Only chance he’d have to stop me is a lucky punch. Like with everybody: Conor, Poirier, Justin Gaethje. They talk about ‘They can stop him if they get a lucky punch.”
Ferguson is currently on an eight-fight losing streak, which started with his loss to Gaethje. In his last octagon appearance at UFC Abu Dhabi, ‘El Cucuy’ squared off against Michael Chiesa, losing the fight via first-round submission.
Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov’s final fight took place at UFC 254 in a title-unification bout against Gaethje. After defeating the former BMF champion, the Dagestani fighter announced his retirement from MMA.
When Khabib Nurmagomedov paid respect to Tony Ferguson with a heartfelt message
Earlier this month, Tony Ferguson announced his semi-retirement following his eighth consecutive loss at UFC Abu Dhabi. Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was present at the event, was among the first to wish Ferguson a happy retirement, saying:
“[Tony Ferguson retiring] is not a surprise for me because he’s 40 years old. I just want to wish him all the best. He is truly one of the best [to ever compete] in the UFC. His life is just beginning because he’s just 40 years old and just finished his MMA career. Now, it’s going to be a different life, much better life.”
