“That’s Not True!”- Daniel Cormier Backs Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson cancellation for the fifth time as the Dagestani Champion stepped down from fighting at UFC 249.

As soon as he announced that he will not be able to make it for the event, many speculations sprang up. However, “The Eagle” clarified that his being in Dagestan during the worldwide pandemic was the sole reason behind his decision to step down.

Yet, he could not convince everyone about the honesty behind his claim. Many continue to point their fingers at him for canceling the bout. Thus, this carries on as a heated topic in the MMA Universe., with UFC 249 just around the corner.

In the latest edition of DC & Helwani, the topic generated friction between Helwani and DC.

In the course of the conversation about UFC 249, the topic of Amanda Nunes stepping down from the card came up. Helwani connected the conversation to how Khabib stepped down, where Helwani claimed that Khabib said ‘he would not fight’. This ticked off Daniel Cormier, Khabib’s teammate from American Kickboxing Academy.

DC said, “I think you’re trying to spin a narrative. Khabib did not say he wouldn’t fight. That’s not true! He was going to fight. You’re misunderstanding a little bit. I think he [Khabib] gets confused a little bit, trying to speak English all the time. Even that message he wrote. I spoke to him a couple of hours after it, and he said something completely different. He was still cutting weight. I think there’s just some confusion.”

Are there any hopes left for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson?

It is quite depressing for fight fans to miss an opportunity to witness the greatest Lightweight bout ever yet again. Of course, the pandemic is something no one can help. But the fact that the coronavirus came right when the fight was finally happening screams that there is some curse that haunts the fixture.

Yet, there is still hope.

While Tony Ferguson will face Justin Gaethje instead of Khabib Nurmagomedov, there will still be a title on the line. El Cucuy and The Highlight will battle for the UFC Interim Lightweight title. Naturally, whoever wins the bout will go on to face the Champion, Khabib. 

Thus, while the chances are relatively lower because of the uncertainty regarding whether Tony will be able to outmatch Gaethje, there is still a bright chance for him and Khabib to collide within the year.

How do you think the scenario will pan out?