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“They Aren’t Prepared for What He Brings” – Luke Rockhold Claims Khabib Nurmagomedov to Dominate Tony Ferguson or Justin Gaethje

Published 05/09/2020, 4:28 PM EDT

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The main event for UFC 249 is a battle between two of the most exciting fighters on the planet. Despite headlining one of the most stacked cards of recent memory, both Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje are aware of one thing. Even if they win, the bigger task in the division remains. That is to take away the zero from the champ – Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Dana White has made it clear that the winner of UFC 249’s main event will fight Khabib. If it wouldn’t have been for the global pandemic, the Dagestani wrestler would have defended his belt on April 18th. Regardless, he has hinted at a timeline for return in early September.

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Khabib is known for his dominating presence inside the Octagon. Unlike Tony Ferguson, his game plan is very simple. He takes his opponent to the ground and unleashes his wrath. Every one of his opponents knows what’s coming. Yet that can’t avoid it. Former Middleweight champ Luke Rockhold thinks the winner of Tony vs Justin will be no different.

Luke Rockhold doesn’t give Ferguson or Gaethje any chance against Khabib Nurmagomedov

Rockhold has trained with Khabib for years now. The two are well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. However, in the case of the 155-pounds champ, the weaknesses aren’t many.

While talking to Chisanga Malata, Rockhold revealed that the only chance the winner of UFC 249’s headliner stands against Khabib will come in the opening rounds. If Nurmagomedov establishes his presence and gets in the desired position, no one can stop him.

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“Both of them have a chance but it’s gonna be early on. The more Khabib gets hold of them, it’s gonna take away everything they have,” Rockhold said.

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“Khabib is on a different level in grappling than these guys. I’m sure they’ve got decent wrestling and it’s gonna be back and forth. But I see Khabib getting the fight to where he wants and once he’s on top and he’s in position, they aren’t prepared for what he brings there,” Rockhold added.

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Rockhold’s assessment has credibility since he has spent countless hours on the mat with Khabib. However, one can also take his statement to be biased towards his stablemate. Regardless, no one has ever been able to crack the pressure that Khabib brings when the door of the Octagon shuts.

Tony and Justin are the only top contenders remaining who is yet to fight the Russian. More importantly, they have the best opportunity to end his winning streak as well.

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Written by:

Rishabh Singh

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Rishabh Singh is an MMA author at EssentiallySports since 2020. An engineer in the making, his love for combat sports began by watching Anderson Silva light people up inside the Octagon. When he isn't busy in his technical pursuits, he is an avid reader with a love for sports in general and sporting history in particular.
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