UFC 209: Tony Ferguson Says Khabib Nurmagomedov is Making “Same Mistake That Rafael dos Anjos Made”
By FCF Staff
Although Khabib Nurmagomedov campaigned hard for a bout with Tony Ferguson, the latter believes his next opponent is looking past him and onto Conor McGregor.
Since the lightweight champ McGregor is taking a break from fighting, in advance of his first child, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson are fighting for an interim 155 title at UFC 209, March 4th. The bout came together after both men repeatedly expressed their interest in fighting one another.
Ferguson initially held out for more money, however, so the UFC reportedly offered Nurmagomedov a bout with Jose Aldo. The undefeated lightweight turned it down, however, and repeated his desire to fight Ferguson.
Recently Ferguson spoke to Fight Hub TV about his upcoming bout, and while doing so, he said this about Nurmagomedov (quotes via MMA Mania):
“Khabib, you better focus on this fight and not McGregor, buddy. Because you’re looking too far and you’re making the same mistake that Rafael Dos Anjos made.”
“That dude’s got no problems for me, so long as my conditioning and my feet are underneath me. I’m geared up from the feet up as far as conditioning wise, and this guy won’t make me quit. I’m going to bring it all to him.”
Ferguson faced dos Anjos in November and scored a decision win over the former lightweight champ. With the win, “El Cucuy” moved his winning streak to nine.
UFC 209 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.