Khabib Nurmagomedov Gives Unexpected Verdict as Tony Ferguson Refuses to Retire After Embarrassing Loss at UFC Abu Dhabi

The highly anticipated UFC Abu Dhabi clash between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chiesa ended in a loss for Ferguson. Chiesa’s movement and his wrestling skills proved too much for ‘El Cucuy’. The fight ended in the first round after the 40-year-old tapped out and failed to get back to winning ways for the eighth time in a row. What followed was a series of questions surrounding Ferguson’s retirement.

It seems that Ferguson isn’t quite sure of retiring yet and has some introspection to do. Amidst all the chaos Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a special message for his old rival and wished him all the best.

Khabib Nurmagomedov shares a unique message for Tony Ferguson

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson were scheduled to face each other inside the Octagon five times. However, the fight never happened much to the despair of the fans. But the former champion took time to wish the 40-year-old and shared a message for him. He said, “It’s not surprise for me because he’s forty years old. I just want to wish him all the best. He’s truly one of the best in the UFC. I just wanna wish him all the best and his life just beginning. Because he’s just forty years old. Just finished him MMA career. Now he gonna live a different life much better life.”

‘El Cucuy’ has been struggling to get back to his old form where he decimated the opponents. With his latest defeat, Ferguson has now lost eight fights back to back. At 40, Ferguson is definitely at the twilight of his career and doesn’t have much left in the tank. Adding to the misery his recent form is also not helping him as he failing to get past the young guns in the division. Rumors suggest that UFC CEO Dana White might just release Ferguson from the UFC.

But it seems the former interim champion isn’t quite ready to call it a day. During his post-fight interview, the 40-year-old shared his opinion on the rumors surrounding his retirement.

Tony Ferguson doesn’t want to retire as of yet and wants to rethink the decision

40-year-old Tony Ferguson has done everything to help him gain momentum in the division. But it seems, nothing is working for ‘El Cucuy’. With age catching up on the former interim champion, Ferguson is struggling to impress many inside the Octagon. However, it seems he is not ready to let go of the sport he loves the most. After losing his fight to Chiesa, Ferguson seemed dejected and at a loss of words. On being asked whether this was his last fight the 40-year-old seemed reluctant to give up.

He then made it clear that he would definitely discuss this with his wife and then come to a conclusion. While speaking to Daniel Cormier, Ferguson said, “I know I could’ve done better… I don’t want to retire. I love the UFC… I’m gonna go home and talk to my wife…,”. The 40-year-old put down only one of his gloves and made it clear that he indeed would be waiting for a call from the UFC. Ferguson is one of the legends of the sport and will always be remembered for his performances inside the Octagon.

But it seems his end might just be near after his tally of losses has extended to 8. How highly do you rate the former interim champion as a fighter? Let us know in the comments below.