In a surprising turn of events, after Tony Ferguson revealed via social media several weeks ago that he would be holding out on signing his next fight contract until he received more money from the UFC, it now appears as though ‘El Cucuy’ will be returning to the Octagon sooner rather than later.
Following a report from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov had moved on from a potential fight with Ferguson, and was now pursuing a fight with a top ranked fighter such as Michael Chiesa, Nurmagomedov’s father is claiming that Ferguson is indeed next for his son.
Khabib's father & longtime coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov just confirmed Tony Ferguson as his son’s next opponent in a post on social media. pic.twitter.com/SeT66cJGex
— Karim Zidan | كريم زيدان (@ZidanSports) January 8, 2017
Though the elder Nurmagomedov did not confirm a date or location for this bout, Khabib recently announced that he’s training for a fight at UFC 209, whether that fight is against Ferguson or another top-ranked opponent.
With the information, our own Chris Taylor was then able to confirm that a Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson bout is indeed on for UFC 209 in Las Vegas. The fight, which is likely to be the card’s co-main event, will determine the UFC’s interim lightweight champion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson is OFFICIALLY on for #UFC209 on March 4
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) January 8, 2017
Per my source at AKA. Khabib vs Ferguson co-main for the interim lw belt at #UFC209 on march 4. Woodley vs Thompson 2 still eyed to headline
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) January 8, 2017
As Taylor reports, a welterweight title rematch between Tyron Woodley and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is still likely to headline the card.
Nurmagomedov will enter this fight with a flawless 24-0 overall record. When we last saw him in action he took out a game Michael Johnson with a third-round Kimura.
Ferguson, meanwhile, boasts an impressive 22-3 overall record. When we last saw him in the Octagon, he defeated former champion Rafael Dos Anjos in an exciting five-round fight.
Who do you think comes out on top in this interim lightweight title showdown?