Khabib: If Tony Ferguson Wants A Fight He Has To Step Forward
Khabib Nurmagomedov says he has no issue fighting Tony Ferguson, but “El Cucuy” must step up.
Nurmagomedov is set to do battle with Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 242 on Sept. 7. This will be a lightweight title unification bout as “The Eagle” is the 155-pound champion and “The Diamond” holds interim gold. UFC 242 will be held in Abu Dhabi. It’ll be the UFC’s first trip to Abu Dhabi since April 2014.
Many have been calling for Ferguson to get the winner of Nurmagomedov vs. Poirier. “The Eagle” told Russia-24 that he’s more than willing to meet Ferguson next (via The Body Lock):
“Sure, we need a fight with Ferguson. Yet, I do not pick opponents. Actually, I have never done that. I am in great health and shape, I hold an undefeated streak, and I’ve got the belt. If Tony wants a fight, he has to step forward. I don’t care if it will be Poirier or Ferguson, I am ready to fight with anyone.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson has been booked in the past, but never materialized. Illnesses and injuries on both sides derailed those plans. The last time the two were scheduled to fight was back in April 2018 for UFC 223. Ferguson tripped over a cable ahead of fight week and tore ligaments in his knee.
Ferguson is coming off a TKO victory over Donald Cerrone last month at UFC 238. “El Cucuy” is on a 12-fight winning streak and hasn’t lost a bout since May 2012. He is the second-ranked UFC lightweight.
