UFC: Khabib Nurmagomedov scoffs at Tony Ferguson’s bloodthirsty elbows – ‘you’ve never seen a cut or black eye on me’
- Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov says Tony Ferguson ‘has got a task for himself’ trying to cut his face
- The Dagestani hopes they can ‘finally find out who’s better’ after four previous unsuccessful scheduling attempts
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.