Without giving up on Khabib, Ferguson argues about the Russian's father to try to attract the legend

K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) had five fights canceled in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

With five cancellations, the fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Tony Ferguson remained in the imagination of MMA fans. For the North American, however, the rivalry is far from over. Even with the retirement of the Russian legend, the ‘Bicho Papão’ continues to appeal to whatever he can, with the intention of promoting the fight in the UFC. In an interview with ‘ESPN’, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) used his opponent’s late father to try to get the attention of his utopian opponent.

“I'm getting closer to Khabib. This is the only fight his father wanted for him and the only fight they agreed to hold. He will watch. They're going to play as many films as possible about me. Stop being a bitch. Stop running”, Tony shot.

Although he has been at the top of the lightweight division for years, Ferguson's situation in Ultimate is not the best. Former owner of the group's interim title, the fighter is experiencing a previously unprecedented situation, registering two consecutive defeats.

In an attempt to recover, the North American has a fight scheduled against Beneil Dariush. The athlete will be one of the protagonists in the co-main clash of the UFC 262. The show in question will crown the new champion of the category, in the challenge between Charles of the Bronx e Michael chandler.

Considered one of the best fighters of all time, Khabib left MMA in October 2020. At the time, the athlete had just unified the group's title by 'erasing' Justin gaethje. Still in the octagon, the Russian, who had lost his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in July last season, stated that he saw no point in continuing to compete without the presence of his main mentor.

Although he confirmed his retirement last year, the Russian was removed from the official UFC rankings only in 2021. After months of negotiations, the athlete remained firm in his decision and did not comply with the advances of the 'boss', Dana White, frustrating the organization's plans and leaving the throne vacant.