“It’s Gonna Be an Absolute War”- Fighters Pick Sides Ahead of the UFC 249 Main Event

Weeks of anticipation and restlessness come to an end as we are mere hours away from UFC 249. Following a seemingly unending delay, the promotion has finally managed to put the event together without any hiccups.

The headliner of the event features two of the biggest talents in the lightweight division. It’s Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje. Following their fight, the victor will be one step closer to becoming the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

Originally slated to take on Khabib Nurmagomedov, Ferguson finds himself facing the next best fighter, Gaethje. Considering how the imposition of travel restrictions forced Khabib aground in Russia.

The stakes for both Ferguson and Gaethje are through the roof with this fight. A shot at contending for the lightweight title. In an interview with theScoreMMA, multiple fighters placed their bets on who they think will triumph.

Team Gaethje at UFC 249

With his recent conviction and guidance from coach Trevor Wittman, make him too good a hand not to bet on. And the former welterweight Jon Fitch agrees.

“If he continues to go down the path that he has, where he’s been very strategic, he’s picked his shots, he’s switched and changed things up. He’s much more dangerous and he’s less likely to get hit and hurt,” said the 42-year-old fighter.

Eddie Alvarez goes as far as to say that Gaethje will bag the win, with a knockout. Considering The Highlight’s explosive power and how Ferguson decided to cut weight three weeks ago for fun, something about this fight leans in the favor of Gaethje.

Chase Hooper backs Gaethje as long as he can keep the fight from hitting the canvas. He attributes Gaethje’s win to his raw strength. Gaethje packs a punch that can knock anyone out.

Team Ferguson at UFC 249

When it comes to Tony Ferguson, fans and fighters all over the world can agree on the fact that El Cucuy is the most unpredictable, dynamic, and unique fighters they have ever seen. And all fighters that are backing Ferguson to win this fight are relying on his ability to surprise his opponents with his unorthodox moves and fearlessness.

“Of course, we’re going with Tony. Always, you can’t go against the champ. He is a different kind of machine.” said Brandon Vera unflinchingly.

UFC Welterweight, Dwight Grant is one to back Ferguson in this fight because he feels Ferguson can put Gaethje in a kind of position where he can wear him down and force a win for himself.

Strawweight Randa Markos backs Ferguson to take the win via KO or submission. Considering the number of wins Ferguson has bagged by submissions, it is highly likely for El Cucuy to add to that count.

Considering how time is not on Ferguson’s side, it is more likely for him to go guns blazing against Gaethje. The 36-year-old fighter is soon approaching an age where keeping up with a fighter like Khabib becomes a distant dream. The window for Ferguson to become the UFC Lightweight champion is closing rapidly and it seems like he is determined to do all it takes to overthrow Khabib before it closes completely.

Team 50/50

It is almost impossible to predict who is going to come out on top in this matchup. Every MMA fan will agree to the fact that Gaethje and Ferguson sport similar fighting styles. Both are highly unpredictable, and durable brawlers. Both have what it takes to go the distance and can take a punch.

UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya feels the fighters are so well matched that the results could swing either way. The Last Stylebender lauds Gaethje for his fearlessness. He feels that Gaethje is not one to shy away from admitting what scares him. Which is what makes him a better fighter.

“Absolute war, it’s gonna be an absolute war. I wish them both the best. I know they both love to fight, know they love to put on for the fans. They’re gonna do it, they’re gonna put on. And I’m gonna be there to support both of them,” said The Devastator.

Dominick Reyes, like every other MMA fan in the world, is just grateful that this fight is finally happening. And looks forward to watching the two fighters get into it.

However, Artem Lobov has a rather unique attitude about the fight. He wishes to watch both Ferguson and Gaethje take on Khabib. A fight between the two will inevitably result in one fighter getting knocked off from the race to fight Khabib.

Who do you think will come out on top at UFC 249?