Ferguson praises Gaethje, criticizes Khabib and justifies holding UFC 249: 'To give people hope'

T. Ferguson (pictured) will face J. Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on May 9th. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

One of those responsible for leading the UFC 249, which takes place this Saturday (9), in Jacksonville (USA), Tony Ferguson praised his opponent this weekend and justified holding the show during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. In an interview with 'Combate', the athlete praised Justin gaethje and even took the opportunity to 'poke' Khabib Nurmagomedov, who refused to perform in the show due to the global health crisis.

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“Khabib is a slacker. Justin is cool. Justin signed the contract and we will fight like men. You (Nurmagomedov) are not an eagle (Russian's nickname). If you're an eagle, then have the balls to come here, man. I didn't need to go there (Russia). We have two guys here willing to risk everything to keep sports going,” said the American.

Gaethje accepted the challenge of facing 'Bicho Papão' without being able to carry out an adequate training plan for the show. In addition to accepting to fight with just a few weeks to prepare, the fighter, like other athletes, cannot attend the gym normally and had to reduce the number of training partners following social isolation recommendations. Even with the unfavorable scenario, Justin was praised by Tony, who praised the qualities of his new rival.

“Justin is a very strong, very dangerous fighter. He has good hands, he has decent conditioning. He's going to be ready, and he's going to do whatever it takes to come out with the victory. He will make weight, unlike other people, and train until he gets tired. There will be no surprises for him, people will see a very, very good fight,” said 'El Cucuy'.

Finally, Ferguson justified the reason for accepting to fight during the pandemic and tried to show why both he and the UFC are working towards the return of the sport even at such a delicate moment in history.

“It’s to give people hope. We are giving a little light, a little energy to people to move forward, to let people know that things can happen even when they are difficult. I'm a champion. I don't run away from storms, I run towards them. I face these things head on. I have my faith, which keeps me strong. It doesn't matter what else is going on in the world. There always needs to be a strong guy, a soldier, a person to face, and I will do that”, he concluded.

With Khabib officially out of action, Tony and Gaethje will face each other in a fight for the interim lightweight title (under 70,3kg). The winner of this Saturday's main fight must face the lineal champion, Khabib.