K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) had four fights scheduled and canceled. Photo: Montage SL/MMA Press
There are just under two months left for the world to witness the long-awaited meeting between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Tony Ferguson in the fight for the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg.). After four failed attempts to carry out the duel, this time, the fight has everything to get off the ground. Excited for the fight, the champion's coach, Javier Mendez, showed excitement and anxiety to talk about the fight, which will take place on April 18, at UFC 249. The statement was made in an interview with 'MMA Junkie'.
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“Both of them (Khabib and Tony) are on a great winning streak. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first time that athletes undefeated in 12 fights will face each other in the UFC. So, it has a greater meaning. The champion against number two (Fergunson). This is the first time you will see two rising people facing each other. It’s bigger than ever,” said Javier.
Mendez also endorses the new confrontation, stating that the athletes are different from the other moments in which they almost faced each other. However, the past time has allowed the fighters to evolve and not lose quality.
“(The context) changed, because Tony improved, Khabib improved. So, it's not the same thing. It can't be the same thing. Tony has performed well. It cannot be said that he is the same. And look how Khabib has improved. We have to look at the dispute as a brand new fight”, he concluded.
In addition to yet another title defense, Nurmagomedov arrives for the dispute to try to establish his unbeaten record since debuting in his MMA career. The Russian has never suffered a defeat in 28 clashes.
Ferguson, in turn, will step into the octagon with 12 wins in a row. The athlete has not been defeated since the setback in May 2012, when he was defeated by Michael Johnson.
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