Back in 2021, Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared in an interview on the ‘Inspire Me Podcast’. Therein, the former undefeated UFC lightweight champion weighed in on never getting a chance to compete against Tony Ferguson. Needless to say, the Dagestani fighter was pretty upset about it. But when the video resurfaced again after 3 years, the entire world of mixed martial arts was lit up. It was indeed high time for Ferguson to send a reply to the former mixed martial artist.

And guess what? He did! ‘El Cucuy’ has fired some shots in an X-rated rant on social media. No doubt, the Mexican-American fighter was triggered by Nurmagomedov’s opinion. 

Tony Ferguson retaliates against Khabib Nurmagomedov

‘The Eagle’ and ‘El Cucuy’ were slated to fight against each other quite a few times in the past. However, the fights never had the chance to materialize. The duo even had two fights scheduled for UFC on Fox 19, and UFC 209. But the fights were scrapped due to unforeseen circumstances. Weighing in on this, Nurmagomedov felt nothing but a tinge of sadness. But talking about the matchup, he was pretty confident that Ferguson would have a hard time trying to win. And the only way he could do so was with a punch, in case he got lucky. 

Nurmagomedov opined, “I feel little bit sad, but same time, I always understand like my game, it’s worse for him, you know. He don’t have wrestling, he don’t have grappling. What he gonna do with me? How he gonna stop me, you know? Only chance how he can stop me, it was like only like a punch.” 

When the interview resurfaced again and began circling the internet, Ferguson was left with no choice but to hit back. He took to X and sent forth a heated message for the Dagestani. Ferguson wrote, ““Lucky Punch” Now, Was Going To Leave You Alone, But Ewe Just Couldn’t Help It Ya Phat-Phunk What A F’kn Pus-EE, Coward Like Chicken Keep Hiding Khabieber 29-1 #ItsOnLikeDonkeyKongBiotch Until Further Notice, Let Ol’e Fathead Know What Time It Is Crew.” 

It did appear as though the duo had left the past behind and moved on. But with the heat emanating from their rivalry, the MMA realm can expect Ferguson and Nurmagomedov to finally settle the scores. But there was a time when, despite their rivalry, ‘The Eagle’ came forward to help Ferguson.

‘The Eagle’ was willing to help ‘El Cucuy’

When the UFC scheduled a fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson for the 5th and final time, the media asked the Dagestani to comment on Ferguson’s problems. But Nurmagomedov acted like a true champion and refused to do so. He urged the world to let Ferguson deal with his problems. Defending his slated opponent, he said, “This is his problem, you know. Leave him alone, you know.”

But the undefeated fighter was ready to come to Ferguson’s aid if he needed it. Nurmagomedov continued, “If he needs any help, we have to help him. But we’re gonna fight next month. I don’t want to think about him. He’s my opponent [and] talk about his mental problem, I don’t think it’s [a good thing],” 

And now, the rivalry has been reignited. While Nurmagomedov had refused to step back into the Octagon quite a few times, the fighting community stood in anticipation of a fight finally happening between him and Ferguson. Who do you think would win in case a fight did materialize between them? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.