Tony Ferguson never managed to make it to a fight with longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, but he remains confident he’d have beaten not only Nurmagomedov, but his protégé Islam Makhachev.
Nurmagomedov
and Makhachev have established themselves as two of the most dominant fighters of all time with a combined 57-1 record and seven lightweight title defenses, with the retired Nurmagomedov having also recently cornered Makhachev in his UFC 322 welterweight championship triumph over Jack Della Maddalena.
During Nurmagomedov’s run at the top, he and Ferguson were matched up several times, but a variety of issues caused their in-cage encounters to be canceled much to the disappointment of fans. Nurmagomedov retired in 2020, putting the fight permanently to rest.
To this day, the 41-year-old Ferguson remains confident he could have solved the puzzle of the undefeated Nurmagomedov and he also believes he’d give Makhachev a run for his money.
“To me, in my opinion, Islam was one of the dudes that always had Khabib in the practice room,” Ferguson told Helen Yee Sports. “At the time, it was kind of like [Aljamain Sterling] and Merab [Dvalishvili], just feeling like when ‘Aljo’ left then Merab finally started to shine and stuff. It’s the same thing with Khabib and Islam. I always thought Islam was more of a conditioned athlete and doing his thing, but best of luck.
“But in in my prime, kick your ass.”
Ferguson gave Makhachev plenty of respect for his recent domination of Della Maddalena and suggested that perhaps Makhachev was a better fighter than Nurmagomedov all along. He theorizes that it wasn’t until Nurmagomedov lost his father and fighting mentor Abdulmanap in 2020 and subsequently retired later that year that the path was cleared for Makhachev to stake his own claim to greatness.
“I think when Khabib’s dad was there, I think [Makhachev] was in the shadows not wanting to pass him just because out of respect when it goes to your teacher and your coaches and certain things like that,” Ferguson said. “I think when everything was all said and done and Khabib retired and the family things and so on and so forth that he finally had his time to shine.
“I think he’s his own athlete. I don’t think he really concerned himself about Khabib other than what he’s doing. I think at the end of the day, we’re all athletes when it comes down to it. We’re trying to pass it and pay it forward to the next generation of athletes. But I tell you what, one or two years at Tony Ferguson’s camp and the academy and you’ll be better than Dagestan wrestlers any day.”
Ferguson currently reigns as the Misfits Boxing interim middleweight champion, having traded in MMA gloves for the traditional big reds. He defends his belt against Warren Spencer on Dec. 20 in Dubai.
While it’s unclear if “El Cucuy” ever plans to compete under MMA rules again, he admitted he’s intrigued by the possibility of competing at the planned UFC White House card against either Nurmagomedov or Conor McGregor.
“I’m going to be real, there’s only two people that I want to go and fight regardless of where it’s going to be at, and the interesting fights would be either Conor or Khabiber,” Ferguson said. “I think regardless of what happens, it’s going to sell tickets, good or bad, literally that’s what it’s for. The hype.
“But you put me up there with Khabiber at the White House and I guarantee you guys are going to have fireworks. You have Khabib-Tony Round 6, make it happen.”
TOP STORIES
Busy. Jon Jones recently took a trip to Russia where he playfully sparred with Khamzat Chimaev, fired some guns, and hung around the infamous Ramzan Kadyrov.
Convenient. Ilia Topuria is suddenly very interested in making a fight with Paddy Pimblett happen following Arman Tsarukyan’s big win at UFC Qatar.
Sidelined. Chris Weidman tells all after a boxing match with longtime UFC rival Anderson Silva fell through.
Law. New York mayor Eric Adams wants justice after Dillon Danis and Islam Makhachev’s crew brawled at Madison Square Garden.
Punishment. KSW has new rules to further penalize fighters who miss weight.
VIDEO STEW
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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Arnold Allen (20-3) vs. Jean Silva (16-3); UFC 324, Jan. 24
FINAL THOUGHTS
Just a heads up, no Morning Report tomorrow since it’s Thanksgiving in the United States. For those celebrating, enjoy the holiday!
EXIT POLL
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