“I’m Not Tony Ferguson” – Khabib Nurmagomedov Shuts Down Justin Gaethje’s Plan for UFC 254

As we enter fight week for UFC 254, the verbal tirade between Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov is in full swing. The UFC lightweight champ has acknowledged Gaethje’s dominant win over Tony Ferguson. However, he also made it sure to remind his opponent that he is not similar to his previous challenge.

The UFC had booked a fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson for UFC 249 back in April. Leading up to the fight, the world went sideways with the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, it was Justin Gaethje who fought Tony Ferguson and defeated him for the interim lightweight title.

Gaethje emerged victorious in a striking battle that had the two fighters standing on their feet throughout the contest. It was unclear why Ferguson never tried to take Gaethje down. Needless to say, Khabib wouldn’t go down the same road as the former interim champ.

“I think he knows and I know that if you fight with a wrestler like we have so much pressure, that you can’t just come in the middle of the cage and make a crazy fight. Because the wrestler gonna take you down. You have to move,” Khabib said on Real Quick With Mike Swick Podcast.

Khabib Nurmagomedov isn’t shy of opening-up about his game plan for UFC 254

When fighters enter fight camp, their preparation is often centered around their next opponent. Therefore, they are often not very willing to let go of the details about how they plan to take on their opponent.

Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t fall into this category. All of his previous opponents knew what his strategy going into the fight will be. Even then, most of them couldn’t even slow him down, let alone stop him. Ahead of his fight with Justin Gaethje, Khabib isn’t looking to change a style that has been highly rewarding so far.

“For this fight I think he’s gonna use a lot of footwork, jab, stay away from me. Same thing as with Tony Ferguson, because Tony Ferguson he likes pressure too. I think with me it’s gonna be the same thing but one thing has changed – I am not Tony Ferguson.

“I’m not gonna stand with him. I am gonna give him everything that I have in my MMA skill. Like punching, kicking, pressure, wrestling, take him down, give him ground and pound, you know. You have to be ready for everything.”

The UFC 254 headliner is billed as one of the biggest fights of this year. It is a stylistic clash between a striker who has spent negligible time on his back and a wrestler with a penchant for mauling people on the ground. As a result, the fans are hyped about the pairing.

Read More: “I’m Very Impressed”- Khabib Nurmagomedov Makes A Surprising Statement About Justin Gaethje