UFC Corridor of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov says Tony Ferguson by no means stood an opportunity of beating him.
Ferguson, who was as soon as proprietor of a 12-fight successful streak, was lengthy thought of Nurmagomedov’s largest risk. They have been booked in opposition to one another 5 occasions, however every one was canceled, leaving their rivalry unsettled.
Ferguson was adamant that he can be the one at hand former UFC light-weight champion Nurmagomedov his first loss, however “The Eagle” mentioned his model was a nightmare matchup.
“I really feel somewhat bit unhappy, however on the similar time, I at all times understood that my sport is worse for him,” Nurmagomedov mentioned on the “Encourage Me Podcast.” “He doesn’t have wrestling. He doesn’t have grappling. What was he going to do with me? How was he going to cease me? The one likelihood he needed to cease me was with a fortunate punch, like with all people. Like with Conor (McGregor), with (Dustin) Poirier, with Justin Gaethje.
“Everyone talks about like, ‘They’ll cease him if Khabib goes to get (hit with) fortunate punch,’ however different stuff, how are they going to cease me? When he fought with Danny Castillo, (Beneil) Dariush, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, all these guys mauled him. He didn’t have wrestling protection. He didn’t have good grappling. My combating sport was worse for him. I’m somewhat bit unhappy, however what we are able to do?”
After their fifth and closing struggle cancellation at UFC 249 as a consequence of COVID-19 associated journey bans, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson’s careers took off in vastly completely different instructions. Ferguson’s successful streak was ended by Justin Gaethje, which kickstarted a UFC-record skid that reached eight fights after his loss to Michael Chiesa earlier this month at UFC on ABC 7.
Nurmagomedov fought just one extra time, submitting Gaethje to retain his light-weight title at UFC 254 and retiring instantly afterward.
“I really feel somewhat bit unhappy, however then time confirmed who has what stage,” Nurmagomedov mentioned.
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