Khabib Nurmagomedov Picks Top 3 Lightweights in UFC- Tony Ferguson Left Out From List

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fighting future is uncertain. The undefeated Dagestani champion is yet to announce a clear decision on whether he will fight again in the UFC.

In a recent interview with Match TV, Nurmagomedov was asked whom he believes are the top lightweights on the planet as of now. ‘The Eagle‘ named his brother and two of his former opponents as the best lightweights currently on the UFC roster. However, he left out a name that may raise many eyebrows.

“In our weight, a competitive environment has always reigned. In the UFC, all of the highlights are lightweight. At the moment, I would include Dustin, Conor, and Islam Makhachev in the top 3,” said Nurmagomedov. The picks of Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

But the Russian also acknowledged his arch-rival, Conor McGregor, as one of the best. McGregor is a former lightweight champion, and his fighting skills are extraordinary. Despite their heated feud, Nurmagomedov showed his class yet again by identifying McGregor’s superior fighting skills.

What might come as a surprise though, is that ‘The Eagle’ didn’t include Tony Ferguson in his list. Ferguson has been the most outstanding lightweight contender for the most part of the last decade, as ‘El Cucuy’ was on an 8-year winning streak before his disappointing 2020.

Ferguson has been touted as the kryptonite that Nurmagomedov never had. Despite being booked to fight 5 times, the duo never shared the Octagon. Fans will never get over the fact that they were deprived of such a dream match up.

Khabib Nurmagomedov opened up on the next lightweight champion

Khabib Nurmagomedov also opened up on his thoughts about who he believes should hold the lightweight title next. Nurmagomedov seems set about his decision to retire. He tipped the winner of Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier 2 to hold the belt in his absence.

“Winner of the Conor McGregor – Dustin Poirier pair. I think they will fight for the belt,” said Nurmagomedov. Should Nurmagomedov never fight again, he will leave behind an unmatched legacy. Fans can only hope to see the legendary Russian fight again.

What do you make of Nurmagomedov’s picks? Was he right to leave Ferguson out of his list?