During his 12-fight win streak, fans considered Tony Ferguson as one of the best lightweights in the world and possibly the only one who could rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘El Cucuy’ had a very unorthodox style, and opponents never knew what to expect from him.

The factors such as his never-ending gas tank, his ability to absorb punishment, and his BJJ black belt combined to make him a nightmare for anyone in the lightweight division. 

However, of late things have not been going very well for Tony Ferguson. ‘The Highlight’ Justin Gaethje snapped Ferguson’s 12-fight win streak when the two men faced each other at UFC 249. Charles Oliveira then mauled Ferguson at UFC 256.

 In the process, ‘El Cucuy’ succumbed to consecutive losses for the first time in his career. Since then, both fans and pundits have wondered if age and a career of damage absorbed had finally caught up to the 37-year-old. 

Read: Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling trade jabs on social media

Khabib Nurmagomedov assesses Tony Ferguson as an opponent

In a recent sit-down interview with Russian heavyweight, Magomedov Ismailov, ‘The Eagle’ spoke about his former arch-rival Tony Ferguson. 

He said, “Maybe that would be Tony Ferguson, but I swear that I never considered him as an elite lightweight. He was very good, but I never counted him so, because it’s impossible to be an elite at 37 years. It’s never been before, and even Khabib can not do this. At 37 years in the lightweight division, no way, but heavyweights can. It’s my opinion and you can not change it.”

Trending

“Bubble Gut From High HGH Abuse” – Joe Rogan’s Dire Health Concern Flare Up as Fans Worry About UFC Commentator

April 16, 2024 05:03 AM EDT

“Looks Just as Confused” – Justin Gaethje Receives Untoward Backlash From Fans After UFC 300 Max Holloway KO

April 15, 2024 11:59 AM EDT

Justin Gaethje’s Team Messes Up Mid Fight Before Getting KO’d at UFC 300, Max Holloway Reveals – “I Could Hear Trevor”

April 14, 2024 09:09 AM EDT

What Is Wrong With Joe Rogan’s Gut? Does UFC Commentator Have Palumboism Because of TRT and HGH?

April 16, 2024 04:50 AM EDT

Meet UFC’s Heartthrob Nina Marie Daniele: Boyfriend/Husband, Age, Playboy, ‘Nina Drama’ and More

October 25, 2023 09:12 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Nurmagomedov continued, “Secondly, since 2016 he fought Kevin Lee, [Edson] Barboza, [Anthony] Pettis, and [Donald] Cerrone and these fighters have 20 losses for these 4 years. It means that since 2016 he didn’t fight good fighters. But now, he faced young and top fighters, I mean Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. They outclassed him, you saw this. Both fighters just dominated Tony. I was just dreaming about this fight. But it wasn’t destined, we had injuries in a row”

Many considered Ferguson to be the fighter who could beat Khabib. The UFC scheduled the pair to fight multiple times. However, the fight never came to fruition and is arguably the one fight fans wanted the most but never materialized.

What do you make of Khabib’s assessment of Tony Ferguson? Let us know in the comments below!