Former champion praises Makhachev's career, but states: 'In my prime, I would have given you a beating'

Islam makhachev in victory against Jack Della Maddalena. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

The victory against Jack Della Maddalena No. UFC 322 was enough to change the level of their career Islam makhachev even in the perception of old adversaries of the Dagestan Clan. Tony FergusonFor example, he came forward to express his impressions of the Russian's recent success, who, in addition to winning the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg), also equaled... Anderson Silva He holds the record for consecutive wins in the organization. Previously, he had also become the fighter with the most successful title defenses in the history of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).

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In an interview with reporter Helen Yee, Ferguson said he believed Makhachev had always been the best training partner for... Khabib NurmagomedovHe compared the situation to other Ultimate fighters. However, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) made it clear that he would win a hypothetical fight if he faced the Russian at his peak.

"I think when Khabib's father was there, (Makhachev) stayed in the shadows, not wanting to surpass him out of respect for his teachers and coaches and things like that. I think when it was all over, with Khabib's retirement and the family issues and everything else, he finally had his chance to shine. At the time, it was kind of like (aljamain sterling"With Merab (Dvalishvili), it seemed that when 'Aljo' left, Merab finally started to shine. It's the same thing with Khabib and Islam. I always thought Islam was a more conditioned athlete, doing his job, but good luck to him. But in my prime, I would have given you a beating," Ferguson stated.

Tony Ferguson believes Islam makhachev is creating his own legacy.

“I think he's his own athlete”

@HelenYeeSports pic.twitter.com/3guM71abQd

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 26, 2025

One of the best fighters in MMA history to never win a UFC title, Ferguson was scheduled to face Khabib five times, but all fights were canceled for bizarre reasons. At the time, both fighters were on long winning streaks in the sport's most popular weight class, and the matchup was one of the most anticipated by fans.

Besides Makhachev, Ferguson did not rule out fighting Khabib.

T. Ferguson (left) and K. Nurmagomedov (right) were rivals. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tonyfergusonxt

Even without a UFC contract and away from the octagon for many years, Ferguson doesn't seem to have given up on the dream of facing the leader of the Dagestan Clan. In the same interview, 'El Cucuy' offered himself up to face his old rival or even... Conor McGregor.

“To be honest, there are only two people I want to fight, regardless of where it is, and the most interesting fights would be against Conor or Khabiber. I think that, regardless of what happens, it will sell tickets, for better or for worse, that's literally what it's for. To generate anticipation. But if they put me there with Khabiber at the White House, I guarantee it will be a spectacle. Make a fight between Khabib and Tony, the sixth round, let it happen,” he concluded.