Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov Clash Again: A Legacy of Unresolved Rivalry
The rivalry between former UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov has reignited, with each fighter exchanging sharp barbs through social media.
Ferguson Calls Out Nurmagomedov’s Silence Amidst the Octagon
Tony Ferguson accused his longtime rival of being a coward. “El Cucuy” criticized Khabib for talking about the sport while he is inactive. The former interim UFC lightweight champion challenged Nurmagomedov to engage in real competition, asserting that it’s easier to judge from the sidelines.
Nurmagomedov’s Bold Claims
Khabib Nurmagomedov countered with an assertive tweet claiming a comparison between fighters from Ireland and Dagestan was “factually incorrect”. The Russian MMA legend emphasized his dominance in amateur MMA, stating their prowess extends far beyond the scope of Irish competitors. He believes that if their paths were to meet again, the result would be undeniable.
The Unfinished Saga
Their rivalry stretches back years. The pair faced off multiple times for a fight in the octagon, only to see each encounter fall apart. They had been scheduled to clash five times from 2015 to 2020 but every attempt at their bout failed before finally being postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Ferguson’s Post-Chiesa Struggle
Following his loss to Michael Chiesa, Tony Ferguson’s future in the UFC hangs in the balance. The veteran fighter has openly expressed a desire for retirement after his recent defeat. But despite this uncertainty, Ferguson continues to be an intriguing subject of speculation and debate within the MMA community.