There’s no denying that Tony Ferguson will go down as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Ferguson’s journey inside the octagon has seen him come close to the UFC title numerous times, but as fate would have it, he never got a chance to fight the champion. While untimely injuries halted the way for the former champion, the ongoing pandemic played an equal role in stripping us of a Tony Ferguson vs Khabib Nurmagomedov championship bout.
UFC 249, which was initially scheduled to headline Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson for the UFC lightweight championship, saw Ferguson take on Justin Gaethje for the interim strap. Gaethje’s incredible performance not only stripped Ferguson, of his 12 fight win streak but also ruined his chances at getting his hands on the lightweight gold. Dana White has already confirmed that Justin Gaethje will take on Khabib Nurmagomedov in September at Fight Island.
Ferguson still aiming to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov
“Let’s go back and get, you know what I mean, the consolation rounds, to win back and earn it.”
These were Ferguson’s words during the octagon interview, and Ferguson has once again hinted that his goal to face Khabib Nurmagomedov has not taken a back seat. In reply to Khabib‘s word of praise for Ferguson after the fight, Tony heaped praise on Khabib and wished him the successful recovery of his father. Ferguson also took the chance to ask him to be ready for the real finale and promised to see him soon.
What’s next for Tony Ferguson
Ferguson will likely sit out for a while, and wait for Justin Gaethje vs Khabib Nurmagomedov. Conor McGregor has also thrown himself in the mix and is targeting Gaethje next for the lightweight title. Dustin Poirier has been on the sidelines ever since losing to Khabib, and will likely make a return to the octagon. Tony Ferguson vs Dustin Poirier makes for an interesting match-up. Dan Hooker, Charles Oliviera might also find themselves in the mix to face one of the top 4 contenders in the lightweight division, and it could well be Tony Ferguson.