Khabib Nurmagomedov surprises and accepts unusual challenge from Tony Ferguson; check the answer

K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) face-off in 2018. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Challenged by Tony Ferguson to a 'coaches contest' in a possible edition of 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF), the retired Khabib Nurmagomedov surprised and accepted the proposal. With no plans to return to professional MMA, the Russian welcomes the competition suggested by his former rival. A fight between the coaches, however, is ruled out.

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“Tony, I liked the idea about TUF. Call your bosses and let them make the offer. If they have no ideas, I will offer you a deal at Eagle FC myself. We’re moving some business around here, and you know it,” wrote Khabib, in his account on Twitter.

Former UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Khabib officially hung up his gloves in October 2020. At the time, the athlete had just unified the division title, by submitting Justin gaethje. The athlete justified the decision due to the early death of his father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, victim of Covid-19.

Before leaving the sport, the Russian starred, together with Ferguson, in one of the biggest rivalries in the recent history of Ultimate. The athletes, however, never shared the octagon. With five fights confirmed in the UFC, they all ended up cancelled, frustrating the 'dream fight' plans.

Former owner of the interim title in the under-70,3kg division, Tony is going through the worst moment of his career. Current number 10 in the group, the 38-year-old veteran has accumulated four consecutive defeats.

Ferguson's challenge to Khabib is part of the 'Bogeyman's' long-standing dream of proving himself better than the Russian legend. Even without the opportunity to measure strength with Khabib in the Octagon, the American is content to beat the athlete in the coaching contest.

Tony I like the idea about TUF, call your bosses and let them make an offer, but if they don't have ideas, I myself will offer you a deal on the @EagleFightClub platform, we doing some business here you know.

— Khabib Nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) May 17, 2022

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