UFC: Khabib Nurmagomedov scoffs at Tony Ferguson’s bloodthirsty elbows – ‘you’ve never seen a cut or black eye on me’

Khabib Nurmagomedov insists he is not worried about upcoming opponent Tony Ferguson’s notoriously sharp elbows and knees because we have “never seen a cut or black eye on me”.

UFC lightweight champion Khabib (professional MMA record 28-0) defends his title against fan favourite Ferguson (25-3) at UFC 249 in New York on April 19. Ferguson is known for his unorthodox training techniques and herky-jerky style of fighting.

“It’s impossible to predict a fight and what direction it’ll go,” Khabib said after a charity event in his native Russia in an interview translated by RT. “I never worried about an opponent’s actions and what and how he’ll do it. I always study an opponent’s strengths and try to deflect them when I get in the cage.”

Some events from previous New York cards – which are overseen by the New York State Athletic Commission – have sparked fears over state officiating discrepancies. Perhaps the biggest controversy of late was the inaugural BMF title fight headlined by Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz at UFC 244 last year.

The referee called a stop to the contest after the third round due to a serious cut to Diaz’ eye, deeming there to be too much blood to continue.

“As far as the cuts, I’ve never seen a fight where [Nate] Diaz wasn’t bleeding. You, however, never saw a cut on me, not even a black eye. So I don’t think it’ll be a problem as my head and skin are good,” said the 31-year-old Khabib, who successfully defended his title against Dustin Poirier in September last year.

“Nobody ever cut me and I don’t think I’ll get one that’s so bad that the judges stop the fight. It’ll be interesting. I’ve never been in a way that left a black eye, so he’s got a task for himself.”

Khabib vs Ferguson has also been marred with controversies. He and the 35-year-old Ferguson have been scheduled to fight four times in the past – in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 – but were cancelled due to various injuries. The pair hope this will be their fifth time lucky.

“Time will tell. Our sport is very brutal. I know one of your footballers got a cut. Yes? OK a gash. he didn’t want it. I don’t think neither you nor he wanted it. Your sport is also brutal, but ours is way more so,” Khabib said.

“Our sport is full contact, with hitting, choking and throwing. There are always injuries. No one is safe from injuries. I hope the fight won’t get called off and we’ll finally find out who’s better.”