‘El Cucuy’ Isn’t Letting Go of Rivalry With New UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagamedov…
Tony Ferguson is understandably an angry man right now. His highly anticipated fight with Khabib Nurmagamedov was called out for an incredible fourth time after Ferguson tore his LCL. To add insult to injury, the 10th Planet Ju-Jitsu fighter was stripped of his interim lightweight title.
There’s no doubt that Khabib is top of the class now in the 155-pound division. Ferguson, through sheer misfortune, has slipped back a few steps. Quite, literally, because he’s now the number two ranked fighter, behind former champion Conor McGregor.
However, Ferguson is nothing if determined. He’s still got his eye on Nurmagamedov, and with that comes a shot at the belt. Although he is out of action for about six months, he’s doing his best to make sure that the ‘Eagle’ doesn’t forget who he is. And he’s doing it in typical Ferguson style.
Ridiculous
You couldn’t make up their rivalry. It’s one of the most bizarre in the history of combat sports. The pair has been booked to fight an incredible four times, with each fight getting canceled. Dana White has said that the fight will never happen now.
They were first matched on the Ultimate Fighter, however, Nurmagamedov had to withdraw with an injury. The second time, Ferguson had a lung problem. You might it would be a case of third time lucky, but no. Nurmagamedov was rushed to the hospital during a weight cut.
Furious
Ferguson’s injury also signaled the beginning of the most insane week ever in the UFC. Fans were genuinely devastated after he was forced to pull out. ‘El Cucuy’ is known for his unorthodox style of fighting and is very effective off of his back. Many believe that it would make a fight against Nurmagamedov very interesting because of the Russian’s top game.
Now he is in danger of slipping behind and losing his chance to get to the top again. He’s on a phenomenal ten-fight win streak, but the fight game is merciless. At the age of 34, Ferguson remains in his prime, but a six-month hiatus isn’t ideal at this stage of his career. With this in mind he’s tweeted Khabib:
“You’re Fans Have No Manners… You’re Lucky I Wasn’t Able To Compete Due To Injury. Since You Like To Talk In The Cage I Would Have Made You Verbally Tap & Left You Crying For Papi In The 3rd. What A PaperChump, Eat It Casuals-Thee Champ.”
.@TeamKhabib You’re Fans Have No Manners… You’re Lucky I Wasn’t Able To Compete Due To Injury. Since You Like To Talk In The Cage I Would Have Made You Verbally Tap & Left You Crying For Papi In The 3rd. What A PaperChump, Eat It Casuals-Thee Champ 😎🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 #ComeFightMeNow
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 14, 2018
Could Happen
There is one important thing to remember: Nothing is impossible in the world of MMA. Although Khabib Nurmagamedov vs Conor McGregor seems like it will be the next lightweight title fight, there is no doubt, that Ferguson can make a case for that fifth booking if he comes back strong.
It’s clear that Ferguson hasn’t given up hope of the fight happening so fans shouldn’t either. Remember, money talks in the UFC. If they make sure they have a fighter on standby and keep away from Native American burial grounds, it could yet work out.
