K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) had five fights canceled in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
The dominant victory of Charles of the Bronx about Tony Ferguson, UFC 256, continues to cause commotion among fans – especially Brazilians. However, for some sports enthusiasts, the Brazilian's triumph could be considered a 'shower of cold water'. In a press conference after the show last Saturday (12), the president of Ultimate, Dana White, suggested that the result of the co-main fight should put an end to the dreamed meeting between the 'Bicho Papão' and Khabib Nurmagomedov, confirmed and canceled five times over the last few years.
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“It just didn’t happen. It wasn't a lack of trying. We have confirmed this fight five times. It wasn't supposed to happen. I don’t think about it anymore,” White said.
Considered two of the best lightweight representatives (up to 70,3 kg.) in the history of Ultimate, Ferguson and Khabib had their last fight confirmed for 2020. However, difficulties regarding the coronavirus pandemic meant that the Russian was removed from the confrontation this season and promptly replaced by Justin gaethje, who shocked the world by beating Tony in May.
Nurmagomedov's departure from UFC 249 It marked the fifth cancellation of the match. On the other four occasions, there were two withdrawals from each side, increasing fans' expectations for the confrontation, which never got off the ground.
With Khabib's retirement in October and Ferguson's defeat (second in a row) in the UFC, the company's plans take on new directions. With Do Bronx's victory, McGregor's return and Dustin Gaethje's good moment, Tony ends up losing the prominent place he occupied for years within one of the organization's most dangerous divisions.
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