K. Nurmagomedov congratulated his rival (Photo: Reproduction Facebook UFC)
UFC 216 last Saturday (7) finally saw the crowning of Tony Ferguson as interim lightweight champion. The North American should have faced Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 209, worth the same belt. However, on the eve of the fight, the Russian fell ill and was removed from the March event. Showing sportsmanship, Khabib made a point of congratulating Ferguson.
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Using social media, “Eagle” praised his rival, saying that “El Cucuy” deserved the title he won over Kevin Lee, but left the idea of facing him in December of this year in the air, probably at UFC 219, the event that closes the Ultimate calendar in 2017, on December 30th.
“Great performance, Tony Ferguson. Congratulations, you deserve this belt. #December,” declared Nurmagomedov, using the hashtag to make it clear that he intends to fight the American this month.
Although a rare occurrence, it wouldn't be the first time an interim champion defended his UFC belt. The bantamweight Renan Barao, temporarily won the category title at UFC 149 and defended it twice, against Michael McDonald and Eddie Wineland. Rodrigo Minotauro won the interim heavyweight title against Tim Sylvia and lost it against Frank mirIn 2008.
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