Someone doesn’t believe that Khabib Nurmagomedov is fully retired.
Following his dominant win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, the UFC Lightweight Champion shocked the MMA community by announcing his retirement from the sport. It was a very emotional moment as the undefeated fighter made a promise to his mother that he’ll never put on the gloves again.
However, not everyone feels that the 30-year-old will stay true to his word, which is where former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson comes in. The top ranked contender was on submission radio and not only does Ferguson feel that Nurmagomedov was ducking him throughout his career, but “El Cucuy” feel that Khabib will be back someday (Transcript courtesy of MMA Mania):
“Ali Abdelaziz did his job,” Ferguson continued. “He kept his client safe, kept him away from very dangerous opponents. I mean, the Russians, they avoided me at all [frick]ing costs. They ran. [frick]ing Dagestani ran with his tail between his legs. But you know what, he’s off in the sunset. I have to give him props. Go handle your family business, and I’ll see you when you get here because you’re gonna miss it like Conor. So, you know what, I’m calling it out again, he’s going to be back. So, I’ll be [frick]ing ready.”
Ferguson is ready to step back into the octagon for the Lightweight title, but the 36-year-old took another jab at Nurmagomedov by stating that he scared him into retirement:
“I’m ready for a belt,” Ferguson told Submission Radio. “That’s why I said I’m gonna throw a bit more media out there. I haven’t done it because I haven’t had a reason before. Even because I didn’t want to scare Khabib away. But even without [frick]ing fighting that bitch I made him retire. So, like I said, props to you, ride off into the sunset with your [frick]ing hat. When you come back, I’ll put my [frick]ing baseball hat against your hat and we’ll have a nice cultured exchange.”
Check out the full interview where Ferguson also talks about Khabib being ranked No. 1 in the pound-for-pound fighter's lists, and so much more regarding his career.