Khabib Nurmagomedov had nothing however sort phrases to share about former rival Tony Ferguson after watching him compete for probably the ultimate time within the UFC.
At UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Ferguson suffered an eighth straight loss after falling to Michael Chiesa by submission within the first spherical, virtually definitely spelling the tip of his run with the promotion. Afterward, Ferguson hinted at retirement, however he finally solely left one glove within the cage, noting that he’s holding onto the opposite “simply in case.”
If that finally ends up being Ferguson’s remaining UFC look, Nurmagomedov provided him some encouragement that whereas combating could also be over, he nonetheless has loads of time left forward of him to perform a lot extra.
“It’s not a shock for me as a result of he’s 40 years previous,” Nurmagomedov stated of Ferguson after his combat. “I simply need to want him all the most effective. He’s really among the best who ever was doing it within the UFC. I simply need to want him all the most effective.
“His life is simply starting, as a result of he’s simply 40 years previous and he simply completed his MMA profession. Now it’s going to be a unique life, a significantly better life.”
Previous to Nurmagomedov’s retirement, many believed that Ferguson might have been the ex-champ’s best problem after they had been matched up a number of occasions over time.
Sadly, a large number of circumstances prevented them from ever really combating, and their rivalry probably stands as the best ‘what if’ on each males’s résumés.
Whereas it was disappointing that they by no means fought, Nurmagomedov acknowledged Ferguson’s expertise, however sadly that matchup simply wasn’t meant to be.
“After all, in my prime and his prime, it’s alleged to be a really attention-grabbing combat,” Nurmagomedov stated. “However what can I do? He had a few accidents, I had a few accidents. It’s what it’s.
“Generally now we have plans, however God has his plan and we can’t management this.”
