Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson (right) (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

It remains to be seen if UFC 249 proceeds, as a result of the ongoing, coronavirus pandemic. But, if and when Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson fight, Ben Askren’s expecting a “fascinating” contest.

Ferguson was originally scheduled to fight the lightweight champ on April 18th in Brooklyn, New York. But, since larger public gatherings have been temporarily banned in the state, the future of UFC 249 is uncertain. UFC President Dana White, however, has insisted the promotion will find a way to hold the event.

Recently Askren was a guest on Submission Radio,  and he was asked for his take on Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson. Here’s some of what the former Bellator and ONE welterweight champ had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Khabib’s obviously going to get takedowns, and he’s been so dominant with ground-and-pound,” Askren said. “But at the same time, Tony is so active off his back and he’s good with the elbows and he’s got a lot of tricky stuff. I think it’s going to be totally fascinating. I’m excited to see what happens.

“Tony’s a great fit, because he’s not going to stay put on bottom. Tony can take a lot of damage, which, you know – Khabib will dish it out. Tony doesn’t get tired. And then Tony’s a high-volume striker. He’s not a power puncher, which I don’t think is the right mix to beat Khabib because I think you have to kind of fight him hard, stuff a few takedowns and volume strike him. And I think that’s how you’re going to beat him – and that’s what Tony does. So there’s a possibility.”

Nurmagomedov (28-0) is coming off a submission win over Dustin Poirier in September, while Ferguson (25-3) hasn’t fought since June, when he scored a TKO win (via doctor stoppage) over Donald Cerrone.