Just in two weeks’ time, reigning lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov would be facing off former two-division champion Conor McGregor as part of UFC 229 headliner event. The bout is being dubbed as the biggest in the promotion’s history. Featuring as the co-event would be a tantalizing encounter between American artist Tony Ferguson and former champ Anthony Pettis. It is highly anticipated that the winner of the co-event would be facing Conor vs. Khabib winner.
Right now, the current champion of lightweight category, Khabib Nurmagomedov wants Tony Ferguson to get even with Pettis so that the Russian can battle with Ferguson inside the octagon. Previously the two have been scheduled for a frightening encounter four times, but each time the bout failed to materialize. Though Khabib covets for a matchup against Ferguson, he isn’t very hopeful the way things would turn out for the American artist. The current champ thinks that El Cucuy is not in the condition to take up Pettis’ bombardment.
While talking to Brian Vega in an interview this is what the Dagestan native had to say,
“I hope he going to win. But my opinion, this fight is stylistically very bad matchup for Tony Ferguson. I don’t know how he feel after he is injured. He is [34] years old. He come back after injury. If he wins, it’s going to be big fight next year. One more biggest fight in UFC history. Let’s go.”
The Eagle views the timing not suitable for Ferguson, as the upcoming fight would be the American’s return to ring following an injury. El Cucuy faced some fitness issues right before his fight in UFC 223 against Nurmagomedov in April earlier this year. His appearance would have given him a shot at the vacant lightweight title. However, owing to his condition, a replacement was made, as featherweight champ Max Holloway was scheduled to lock horns with Khabib Nurmagomedov; however, he too had to withdraw from the bout. In desperation, UFC sought a quick replacement within 24 hours and placed Al Iaquinta against Khabib so that the fight could materialize. With all this mayhem, Khabib managed to bag his long yearned lightweight title.
Khabib boasts an impressive 26-0 record, while Ferguson has an impressive resume of 23-3. Do you think the two will survive their fights to face off each other? Share your views here.
