Following Tony Ferguson’s 8th consecutive UFC loss, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has given his thoughts on “El Cucuy” considering wrapping up his MMA career.
Furguson fell short yet again this past weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi, as he found himself tapping to the rear naked choke of Michael Chiesa in the very first round of their conest.
After the bout, Ferguson took the opportunity to state that he has been considering retirement, but he only laid down one glove as he was not sure the right time has come.
“I don’t want to retire. I really don’t. But I love the UFC and I don’t want to go anywhere else. So, I’m not going to put both gloves down. I’m going to put one and I’m going to keep the other one just in case.”
“It’s not a goodbye, but it’s a see ya later..”
–Tony Ferguson via post fight interview in Abu Dhabi
Khabib, who was in attendence cornering his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0) in his main event victory over Cory Sandhagen later that evening, spoke on Ferguson’s post fight interview and stated he was not surprised, but also showed his respect for a fellow legend.
Khabib Nurmagomedov shows respect to Tony Ferguson ❤️🙏
“I just want to wish him all the best. His life is just beginning.”
🎥 @UFCEurope #UFC #MMA #UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/dWqzK9XwrF
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 3, 2024
guso
“It’s not a surprise for me because he’s (Ferguson) 40 years old. I just want to wish him all of the best!”
“He’s truly one of the best to ever do it in UFC. I just want to wish him all the best. His life is just beginning.”
Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were scheduled to face off on sevaral occasions during their prime years together in the UFC, but it seems the bout was never meant to be. Though, the unfulfilled rivalry between the pair makes the praise from Ferguson’s former prospective opponent that much more special.