‘My Old Friend’- Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends Tony Ferguson a Message

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov shared some word of advice for his former colleague Tony Ferguson. Ferguson looks to bounce back from his 2-fight skid in May as he fights Beneil Dariush. However, the former interim champion still has his eyes set on Nurmagomedov.

“I’m getting closer to Khabib and that’s the only fight his pops wanted for him and that’s the only fight they agreed to still… But he’s gonna watch, man. They’re gonna try to get as much film on me as they possibly can… Quit being a b****, quit running, f****** sign on the dotted line, Khabib,” Ferguson said in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani.

Nurmagomedov took notice of that and replied, “My old friend Tony. My advice: focus on Dariush.” Nurmagomedov is currently retired and has beaten almost every top lightweight during his reign in the UFC except Ferguson.

The duo was scheduled to fight 5 times. It was a dream match-up for the fans, as many believed Ferguson possessed the skill set to be the kryptonite that Nurmagomedov never had. But times have changed since. Ferguson got his 12-fight winning streak snapped and is currently on a 2-fight slump. And Nurmagomedov is retired from the UFC.

Fans will never get over the fact that they didn’t get to see two of the greatest lightweights ever to share the Octagon. Both men have established unprecedented dominance during their run in the UFC. It would have been only fitting for them to fight in their prime.

Is there any chance of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson happening ever?

‘The Eagle‘ is now officially retired and is pursuing coaching duties. Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira will battle it out for the vacant belt at UFC 262. Ferguson will fight Dariush in the same card. This fight will be very important to Ferguson’s career, as he has to win to keep his hopes of ever fighting for the undisputed title alive.

Maybe if Ferguson manages to put together an impressive run yet again and win the belt, Nurmagomedov can return for a fight against ‘El Cucuy‘. But at 37, if Ferguson is still the same fighter that ruled the division for 8 years, remains to be seen.

Can Ferguson defeat Dariush at UFC 262? Let us know your thoughts.