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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA SEPTEMBER 2, 2021: Mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks at the 2nd New Knowledge educational marathon (forum). The New Knowledge Forum runs from 1 to 3 September 2021 as a new school year begins in Russia. Artyom Geodakyan/TASS (Photo by Artyom GeodakyanTASS via Getty Images)
The MMA world lost out on what could have been the biggest matchup. Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Tony Ferguson is something every fan wanted to see. In fact, the fight got canceled several times. Now, with Khabib having retired, there’s no hope for this epic fight. But people will still get to see Ferguson fight because he aims to return in 2022.
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While ‘El Cucuy’ had been dealing with personal problems for a while, there was a time when Khabib backed Ferguson. At a press conference, a reporter asked the Russian fighter to comment on Ferguson’s ‘mental problems’. The champion refused to say anything negative about his opponent.
Khabib said, “Nothing personal here. I don’t want to talk about his problem like family stuff, mental stuff. Like, this is his problem, you know. Leave him alone, you know. I don’t wanna talk about him, about his problem because like, everybody sit here, everybody have problem. … If he need help, we have to help, but we’re gonna fight next fight, next month.”
Khabib’s answer had won over many people. Especially because he refused to take a jab on such a sensitive subject.
Khabib Nurmagomedov knows some subjects are off limits and that includes Tony Ferguson’s mental health:
“I don’t want to talk about his problem, like family stuff, mental stuff. This is his problem. Leave him alone.”#UFC #UFC249 https://t.co/RLc1xUhR9Y
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) March 11, 2020
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Further, it is visible how a few fighters seated near ‘The Eagle’ were smirking when the journalist asked the question. This included Kamaru Usman. Khabib’s answer seemed to silence their smiles. Thus, the champion showed Ferguson the respect he deserved without forgetting that they were about to fight soon. And this is something many fans loved.
Khabib Nurmagomedov showing respect to his opponents
While Khabib refused to comment on Ferguson’s personal problems, this is not the first time he has shown respect to his opponents. The fighter has also previously been polite and respectful towards his competitors.
If you deserve respect, Khabib will always respect you, but if you treat him politely, he will make you lose in a horrible way. pic.twitter.com/Rm776IkREC
— Faisal 💎 (@Faisal_1_8_7) October 9, 2018
Hence, it was out of character for the fighter to get into a brawl post his Conor McGregor fight. With McGregor and Ferguson both plotting a comeback this year, it would be interesting to see if they come face to face with the retired champion.
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA AUGUST 18, 2021: Russian mixed martial artist and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov gives a news conference. Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS (Photo by Anton NovoderezhkinTASS via Getty Images)
Khabib also continues to show respect to his teammates’ opponents. What is your take on this?
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