Tony Ferguson cannot quit Khabib Nurmagomedov.
It’s been more than five years since Ferguson and Nurmagomedov were last set to compete for the UFC title. The battle of lightweight greats remains one of MMA’s most frequently mentioned “What if?” The battle and it seems that “El Kukui” still has a rivalry in his heart.
In an interview with Helen Yi, Ferguson said he loves the idea of coaching on the other side of Nurmagomedov one day. The ultimate fighterHe previously won the long-term UFC reality show as a member of Team Brock Lesnar in 2011.
“I’ll definitely take the opportunity to coach him,” Ferguson said. “He’s a knucklehead, he’s still fat and he’s wearing that hat, and I want to clean the mat with it.
“But instead of talking shit, I think it’s interesting to see what skill level each person has.
Both Ferguson and Nürmagomedov remained headlined, and Ferguson still competed for his professional career for 17 years, and is currently in an eight-game recession.
Undefeated Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Makachev, carved out his own impressive legacy, losing only once in 28 battles, claiming the record for four consecutive UFC lightweight titles. Next for Makhachev, he will travel up to 170 pounds to face welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
From what Ferguson saw, Makhachev is piled up well against his leaders, at least when it comes to their very proud wrestling.
“Someone was telling me, who do you think is a better wrestler, is it Makhachev or khabib?” Ferguson said. “I think Makachev is a better grappler. Honestly. I think he’s a little faster. I don’t think Khabib is the freestyle ti disease that Makachev presents, but I think Makchev isn’t that bad at 170.”
Asked for his thoughts on Makhachev’s opening titles, Ferguson believes he’s done enough to win a shot with two divisions of championship status, but he has no choice but to take another verbal shot with Nurmagomedov.
“Okay, so you’ve had Ilia Topria since 45 years since Islamic Makhachev went up north and went up to 170. “Look, when it’s in, you need to fight someone for the belt. … When you have (four title defense), I think it’s a clever move.
“And he’s going to run like his cousin.”