Khabib Nurmagomedov: I’m tougher and much better physically than Tony Ferguson

Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks he’s tougher and physically better than Tony Ferguson.

It seems [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] will look to test [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]’s durability in their upcoming clash.

Speaking to RT Sport, UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) gave himself the edge in numerous departments in his UFC 249 matchup vs. Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC), which takes place April 18 in Brooklyn, N.Y..

“I always rate my chances higher than those of my opponents, since I can’t approach a fight with uncertainty,” Nurmagomedov said, as translated by RT Sport. “I think I’m a lot better than him at wrestling. I’m much better than him physically. I’m tougher than him, and I haven’t lost yet, unlike him.”

Showing plenty of improvements in his striking game, Nurmagomedov believes he can surprise Ferguson with his power, just like he did when he dropped Conor McGregor with a big overhand right in their UFC 229 contest.

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“Unlike him, I haven’t been knocked down yet,” Nurmagomedov said. “He has – I believe seven UFC knockdowns, a lot of falls from punches, so I can hit, and I’m going to hit him especially hard.”

Despite the advantages Nurmagomedov believes he holds, “The Eagle” said he is aware that on paper, Ferguson is perhaps his toughest test to date, which is why he has already started training camp, despite the fight still being four months away.

“I think it’s probably also right to note his strengths,” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s also on a good winning streak; he hasn’t lost since 2012. He’s a very good opponent. In the history of the UFC there’s never been a fight between two people with 12 wins in a row, so it’ll be a big historic event. As an opponent, I take him very seriously.”

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Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father on Tony Ferguson fight: Nothing like this in UFC history

“It’s the most important fight in UFC history.”

UFC lightweight champion [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] has been part of many big fights, but his father thinks none are bigger than his next one with Tony Ferguson.

Arguably the most anticipated fight in UFC history, Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) is set once again to clash with Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC) on April 18 at UFC 249. It’s a booking that’s been made four times before, with all four falling off for one reason or another.

Speaking to RT Sport, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who also coaches Khabib, knows the importance of this marquee matchup to his son’s legacy.

“I think it’s one of the most important events in this sport,” Abdulmanap said, as translated by RT Sport. “It was planned four times and called off twice because of Khabib and twice because of Tony. Millions of fans are waiting for it. There’s never been anything like this in UFC history. It’s the most important fight in UFC history. It’s important not only for me but for my republic, my country, and all our supporters.”

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Since capturing the vacant 155-pound title at UFC 223 with a dominant win over Al Iaquinta, Khabib has defended his title twice, submitting former UFC double champ Conor McGregor and former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier. Khabib continues to show new wrinkles in his game, even surprising McGregor in their UFC 229 fight with a big overhand right that dropped him to the canvas.

“Throughout all this time, we were able to improve our skills in different aspects, especially striking technique,” Abdulmanap said. “We surprise (opponents) more and more each time. Javier (Mendez) promises to surprise this time, but Khabib won’t stray from his father’s plan.”

They’ll face a dangerous and streaking Ferguson, who’s on a 12-fight winning streak, with nine by way of finish. Abdulmanap knows this.

“First of all, he’s got good endurance, a good winning streak,” he said of Ferguson. “He’s been caught, but he finishes all his fights with submissions, cuts or technical knockouts. He has a good arsenal. He is a worthy opponent, and we are preparing accordingly.”

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Justin Gaethje ‘not going to be a tool,’ content staying patient for UFC title shot

Justin Gaethje’s future is unclear, but he doesn’t mind waiting on Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson to play out – or being on standby.

Last week saw two major fights announced – both relevant to the UFC lightweight division.

Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone will elevate to 170 pounds to headline UFC 246 on Jan. 18. Three months later, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his title against Tony Ferguson at an April 18 event expected to be UFC 249.

While much of the upper echelon of the UFC lightweight division has been booked, [autotag]Justin Gaethje[/autotag]’s future remains uncertain. Riding a three-fight winning streak with as many first-round knockouts in that time, Gaethje doesn’t have a fight scheduled.

On Monday, Gaethje joined “The Luke Thomas Show” to discuss his future. While some contenders are hesitant to sit on the shelf healthy for months in order to get their crack at a title, Gaethje doesn’t seem to mind.

“Ultimately, I got into this for one reason – to fight for a world championship,” Gaethje said. “If that’s at the end of the rope, then absolutely. I don’t want to. I’m not getting any younger, but I want to fight for the world title. I’m not going to be a tool; I’m going to make smart business decisions from here on out. Not strictly, but right now, three wins in a row, three knockouts, three first-round finishes in a row. Yeah, that’s what I’m looking for.

“I’m planning on trying to maybe be ready for around (April 18) just in case something happens. But it’s super hard for me to get up for a training camp or a fight if I don’t have an opponent. So I don’t know if that’s going to happen.”

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When asked if he would consider being a standby replacement for the fifth booking of Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson, Gaethje made it clear he’s not opposed.

“If they cover the cost of the training camp, then I’m in,” Gaethje said. “I need to get in shape again anyways, so it wouldn’t hurt. You know what it is. Financially it’s a commitment, especially for a fight like that, you know? I want to fight Khabib. I’ve got to fight Khabib. If that’s how it goes down, I’ll only be mad at myself if I’m not ready for it.”

Regardless of timeframes, opponents or dates, Gaethje believes he is unequivocally next in line. In his eyes, there isn’t anyone who logically stands between him and the next crack at 155-pound gold.

“I’m the guy waiting for the title shot,” Gaethje said. “I’ve got the winner of the fight in April as far as I’m concerned. Three knockouts in a row. I’m not sure what else I need to do. If there’s someone else in the way, I’d have to go through them. But I don’t think there is, so the winner of that is looking like the most likely.”

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Spinning Back Clique: Is McGregor-Cerrone or Khabib-Ferguson more compelling?

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” unpack the latest MMA news and notes in Episode 5 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” react to the latest news, notes and fight bookings, as well as look ahead to UFC on ESPN 7 this weekend.

Show rundown:

Finally, we can discuss [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] news that has to do with cagefighting, as the former two-division UFC champion was booked to headline UFC 246 against [autotag]Donald Cerrone[/autotag]. But the Jan. 18 fight isn’t taking place at lightweight; it’s taking place at welterweight. So, what exactly is at stake here?
It’s happening. … We think. … We hope. For the fifth time, [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] has been booked. The 155-pound title fight is set for what should be UFC 249 on April 18 in New York. Will the fifth time be the charm in us finally seeing this fight, and what can we expect from this point on?
Whether it’s MMA or grappling, former UFC middleweight champion [autotag]Luke Rockhold[/autotag] just seems off. He was cut early before losing a decision to Nick Rodriguez last week at Polaris 12. Combine that with two devastating knockout losses in his last two MMA fights, as well recent comments that his heart isn’t into fighting anymore, and you’ve got to wonder: Where does he go from here with his combat sports career?
UFC Hall of Famer [autotag]Tito Ortiz[/autotag], who meets ex-WWE superstar Alberto El Patron this weekend in Combate Americas, got mad at MMA Junkie last week, calling us “click bait” for writing a story highlighting his comments about current UFC light heavyweight champ [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]. “I think I can beat Jon Jones,” Ortiz said. “I think I have a good chance – I really do think I’ve got a good chance.” His words, not ours. So when you hear that, what’s your take on it?
UFC on ESPN 7 this Saturday features [autotag]Alistair Overeem[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jairzinho Rozenstruik[/autotag] in a heavyweight main event. And in the co-headliner, [autotag]Cynthia Calvillo[/autotag] fights [autotag]Marina Rodriguez[/autotag] at strawweight. Of those four fighters, who has the most to gain with an impressive victory?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 5 of “Spinning Back Clique” in the video above. And make sure to weigh in on McGregor vs. Cerrone in our poll below.

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Tony Ferguson details ‘unpleasant’ Khabib Nurmagomedov booking, vows to make rival ‘piss blood’

“It was about as smooth as a bumpy road, but we got to our destination, which was cool.”

[autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] says the UFC’s desire to promptly finalize his showdown with lightweight champion [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] made the process of booking his first undisputed title fight a bit uncomfortable.

“The manner that they did it really wasn’t the way I wanted to go, so it made the week kind of unpleasant,” Ferguson said Monday on “Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.” “It puts my fans through the freakin’ ringer, but they kept it lighthearted for me. It was about as smooth as a bumpy road, but we got to our destination, which was cool.”

Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC), who will indeed challenge Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) for the 155-pound title at UFC 249 on April 18 in Brooklyn, N.Y., said it all started when his management at Ballengee Group called to inform him a bout agreement was on the way. He had no prior indication the UFC already wanted to sign the fight and figured there was more to discuss before putting pen to paper.

That’s when Nurmagomedov’s team released the champion’s signed bout agreement on social media, shortly following UFC president Dana White telling ESPN the fight was targeted for April.

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Ferguson’s side wasn’t done, though, and he wanted a face-to-face with UFC brass to hash everything out, and he got his wish with a visit to UFC headquarters in Las Vegas this past Friday. It was there that he signed his bout agreement.

“The process wasn’t the way I envisioned it going,” Ferguson said. “That’s why I wanted to sit down with the UFC. It’s about time we actually started having conversations and me being a little more personable with the company. It went good. I can’t say that it went bad. It just took time and was a process. I’m just lucky I had my agents there who have my back, so it’s cool to have that.”

Ferguson said he’s “happy with the way things are going” as far as his UFC relationship, and now he can turn his attention to what will be the most anticipated fight of 2020 by the time it arrives.

After failed bookings between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, all involved hope the fifth time will be the charm. The fight is still more than four months away, though, and like many others, Ferguson wonders why.

“You’re going to have to ask the UFC (why the fight is in April),” Ferguson said. “Khabib is still on his world tour. He’s doing things, kissing babies and doing all that fun stuff. Who cares? You know who I am. You know I’m ready for February. I was ready to take another opponent if they were going to (expletive) pull some crazy stuff. But everything worked out. We’ve got until April. We’ve got plenty of time to train. We’ve got plenty of time to not get hurt, to be very smart and trust our teams and give the fans exactly what they (expletive) want.”

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No one has been able to solve the puzzle that is the undefeated Nurmagomedov. However, Ferguson holds the same 12-fight winning streak as “The Eagle” and against arguably a higher caliber of competition.

Ferguson has been waiting years to prove he’s superior to Nurmagomedov, whom he called “very beatable,” and take hold of the UFC lightweight belt. Now that his opportunity is signed and official, he said he has no intention of letting it slip away.

“I’m in this dude’s head,” Ferguson said. “He’s looking at me. He’s going to train so hard. He’s going to be so nervous he’s going to make a mistake. I’m going to capitalize on that. I’m going to catch him during the scrambles. Scrambled eggs, baby. I’m going to make him piss blood. I owe him two to the chops, and he owes me 20 push-ups. This guy’s got an issue, and his name is Tony Ferguson. And I’m coming after him. It’s hunting season, baby.”

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