After five cancellations, Dana still wants to promote 'Khabib x Ferguson': 'People want to see it'

K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T Ferguson (right) were close to facing each other in 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Fight lovers have certainly seen great fights. In MMA, however, one, specifically, insists on not leaving the paper: Khabib Nurmagomedov x Tony Ferguson. Even though it was canceled on five different occasions, the clash between the Russian and the North American remains alive in the imagination of UFC president, Dana White, who said he continues with the dream of promoting the clash.

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“If Khabib beats (Justin) Gaethje, you give the Tony Ferguson another fight, which we are negotiating now. Then, this fight against Khabib will happen, because I know people want to see it”, said White, in an interview with 'Sports Illustrated'.

For the 'dream fight' to happen, however, a tough combination of results is at stake. Khabib must beat one of the toughest opponents of his career, on the 24th and Ferguson, who is coming off a defeat, needs to win and convince in his next challenge.

White knows that, regardless of the circumstances, the meeting between Nurmagomedov and the 'Bogeyman' has great power, as they are two of the biggest names in the recent history of the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg.). Still, the promoter, who has been in the business for more than 20 years, claims that the situation between athletes is unprecedented in his career.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fight go down as many times as these two did. It scares me to have this clash again. What will happen? Will an asteroid fall to Earth? That’s the level of bad,” White joked.

The last time Ultimate tried to hold a clash between Khabib and Ferguson took place in 2020. At the time, the Russian would defend his position as linear champion against the 'Bicho Papão'. The fight, however, ended up not happening due to the Russian being 'trapped' in his country with the closure of the borders, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nurmagomedov then gave way to Gaethje and the clash between the Americans was valid for the interim title. In the fight, held in May, for UFC 249, Justin ended up shocking the world, running over Ferguson and taking the place of 'El Cucuy' in the fight against Khabib.

The other four cancellations between the Russian and Tony were the result of injuries to the lightweights, two for each side.