K. Nurmagomedov (photo) is favorite against Poirier. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @khabib_nurmadomedov
On April 18, 2020, MMA fans will stop by to watch one of the most anticipated duels in the recent history of the sport. In New York, Khabib Nurmagomedov will make a new defense of his lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.) when facing Tony Ferguson in the meeting of two exponents of the sport. In a press conference held in Russia, the athlete showed respect for his next opponent and admitted greater motivation to face 'El Cucuy'. The 'Eagle's' speech was reproduced by 'MMARusContext'.
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“To be honest, I didn't have that much motivation in my last few fights. (Al) Iaquinta), Conor (McGregor), (Edson) Barboza, (Dustin) Poirier. They are not the same as Tony Ferguson. I’m feeling a fire inside again,” she said.
Although he is one of the most dominant athletes in the company, occupying second place in the ranking of the best weight-for-weight, behind only Jon Jones, Khabib admits that he doesn't rely on his great record or the perfect career (without defeats) that he has built to date in MMA. The Russian is fully aware of the dangers he will encounter when exchanging forces with an athlete undefeated in 12 fights.
“I'm going to train more for this fight, because I have my most dangerous opponent. He is a very good and very dangerous opponent,” said Nurmagomedov.
The two athletes returned to MMA in 2019 after more than six months away from the octagon. Tony returned early. The North American, who had last performed on the same card as the Russian, in October, at UFC 229, faced, in June, Donald Cerrone. On that occasion, 'El Cucuy' beat 'Cowboy' by knockout and recorded his 12th victory in a row.
Khabib, in turn, returned to Utimate to compete for the lightweight title unification against the former interim champion, Dustin poirier. On UFC 242, held in Abu Dhabi, in September, the Russian asserted his favoritism and submitted the North American in the third round.
At 31 years old, Nurmagomedov has 28 appearances and has never tasted defeat in his career as an athlete in mixed martial arts.
Tony, 35, has 28 appearances, with 25 victories and just three setbacks. The North American was last beaten in May 2012, when he was beaten by Michael Johnson.
And to be honest, I lacked this motivation for my last fights. Iaquinta, Conor, Barboza, Poirier. They're not the same as Tony Ferguson.Thats why I feel that fire burning inside me again.”
— 🇷🇺 ➡️ 🇬🇧 (@MMARusContext) December 3, 2019
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