When discussing the biggest challenges in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career, Tony Ferguson’s name cannot be overlooked. Ferguson, who was supposed to face Khabib five times, recently responded to the Dagestani champion’s statements that have sparked controversy among MMA fans.
Nurmagomedov, who lost only a few rounds throughout his career, recently talked about the fights he wished he had during his career. Khabib’s statements confirmed that Ferguson was not a significant threat to him, emphasizing that only a “lucky punch” could have given Ferguson a chance to win.
Khabib Highlights Ferguson’s Weaknesses: Could Ferguson Have Faced the Power of the Dagestani?
In an exclusive interview, Khabib pointed out that Tony Ferguson lacked defensive wrestling skills and that his fighting style would have been disastrous against Khabib’s tactics. Was Khabib correct in his assessment? Did Ferguson truly lack the necessary weapons to defeat “The Eagle”?
Khabib expressed his sadness that the fight, which could have proven who was the best, never materialized, but he also acknowledged that higher forces control the destiny of these battles. The question that arises is this: Would the matchup between Khabib and Ferguson have ended the way Khabib predicted, or could Ferguson have changed the game?
You know what's interesting, i didn't say anything about you, people just post whatever they want on the internet and write that it's Khabib. Enjoy your life and your family, leave this sport for the young fighters.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 29, 2024
Ferguson Responds in His Own Way: Did Khabib’s Statements Cross the Line?
Tony Ferguson did not let the matter pass without a reaction. In a sarcastic response on Instagram, Ferguson launched a scathing attack on Khabib, using sharp and clear language. Ferguson was not satisfied with Khabib’s evaluation of him and wondered if Khabib was “afraid” to face him.
Ferguson’s statements fueled more controversy around this fight that never happened. Did Ferguson truly represent a threat to Khabib? Could he have achieved the victory that no other fighter could against “The Eagle”?
Tony Ferguson responds to Khabib after he said the only chance Tony had against him was with a lucky punch:
"Was going to leave you alone, but ew. Just couldn't help it ya [fat f***]. What a f***ing [p*ssy].
Coward like chicken, keep hiding Khabieber, 29-1."#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/kurbUvCcen
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 28, 2024
Khabib’s Career Conclusion: The Missed Showdown with Ferguson and His UFC Legacy
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 after defending his title three times but never facing Tony Ferguson. Despite his retirement, this missed fight remains the most frequently discussed topic among UFC fans. Meanwhile, Ferguson is going through a complicated phase in his career, suffering eight consecutive losses since then, raising questions about whether he has lost his shine.
Could the course of history have changed if this fight had taken place? And would Ferguson’s career have taken a different direction? Questions that remain unanswered, but they add to the mystery and excitement of the world of mixed martial arts.
