Khabib signs contract and fight against Ferguson is close to being announced for April

K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) could face each other in April 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook Tonyelcucuyferguson

The wait seems to be over. After months of negotiations, the confrontation between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Tony Ferguson, valid for the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg.), is scheduled to take place on April 18th, in what should mark the main fight of the UFC 249, in Brooklyn, New York (USA). In a post on Twitter, the Russian's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, showed the contract signed by his client for the event in the first half of 2020.

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"Here we go. The champion signed his contract for the challenge against Tony Ferguson. This guy (Ferguson) has been asking for a fight and now he deserves it. On April 18, the 'Eagle' will land in Brooklyn once again. This is for the fans”, wrote the businessman.

The meeting between Khabib and Tony is expected by many MMA enthusiasts for several reasons. The athletes are, in numbers, the best fighters in the category today. The two have already had fights scheduled on four occasions, each time being canceled due to injuries; two from each athlete.

If the April event is confirmed, Nurmagomedov will have his third title fight. The Russian won the title in April last year, when he beat To the fifth in the duel that represented the main fight of UFC 223. At the time, Iaquinta accepted the fight at the last minute, replacing Ferguson, who was not in a position to perform.

After becoming number one in the category, the 'Eagle' defended his position on two more occasions, one of them against Conor McGregor, in October last year, in the fight that broke audience records. Nurmagomedov's last performance took place in September this year, when, after serving a nine-month suspension for the confusion following the fight against the Irishman, he faced Dustin poirier for the unification of the category title. Once again Khabib emerged victorious.

Tony is also experiencing a special moment in his career. After going through a turbulent period in his private life, the athlete, who was away from fighting for almost a year, returned to the octagon for a performance against Donald Cerrone, in June. 'El Cucuy', as always, showed the power and consistency in his performance and beat his compatriot by technical knockout in the second round.

Ferguson's victory over 'Cowboy' increased his number of consecutive wins to 12 and put him in a position to challenge the Russian for the division title.

While Tony has not been defeated in over seven years, the champion boasts the right to claim that he has never been beaten in his entire career as a fighter. Khabib, today, has 28 appearances and has no stain on his record.

Here we go. The champion signed his bout agreement against tony ferguson. This man has been asking for this ass whooping and now he has earned it April 18th the eagle will land in Brooklyn one more time. This one is for the fans. pic.twitter.com/ifG2f9Yt9l

- Ali Abdelaziz (@ AliAbdelaziz00) November 26, 2019