Ferguson and Nurmagomedov (right) (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Although the lead-up to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s 2018 bout with Conor McGregor was one of the most intense and heated in UFC history, the champion says he’s more motivated for his upcoming bout with Tony Ferguson.

Nurmagomedov is booked to fight Ferguson on April 18th at UFC 249, which will take place in Brooklyn, New York. It marks the fifth time the lightweights have been scheduled to fight, as all of the previous bookings fell through due to injuries or medical issues.

Recently Nurmagomedov spoke with TMZ Sports, and while discussing his motivation for his bout with Ferguson, the undefeated fighter said this (quote via MMA Fighting):

“I think, just my opinion, my last couple of years, I compete with guys like (Edson) Barboza, (Rafael) dos Anjos, Conor (McGregor), (Dustin) Poirier, (Al) Iaquinta, all of these guys not tough like Tony Ferguson,” Nurmagomedov said. “That’s why now I feel I have real motivation because before when I watched all these opponents I think like, ‘Okay, I can beat this guy.’ Of course, I work hard, but right now it’s a very, very tough opponent.

“That’s why we focus like always, but right now we have more focus, more hard work. Tony is not like these guys. He’s a little bit tougher than all of them.”

Nurmagomedov (28-0) will be competing for the first time since September, when he submitted Poirier.

Ferguson (25-3), meanwhile, is coming off a TKO win (due to doctor stoppage) over Donald Cerrone in June.