In just a few weeks, lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will meet in the Octagon at UFC 249 for what is a long overdue title fight. Prior to the UFC 248 ceremonial weight-ins, the two lightweights took part in a pre-fight news conference and traditional stare down with UFC president Dana White.There was no shortage of trash talking as both fighters preened for the media and took turns trading barbs.
"I think we have to fight. I think he deserved this, you know. He is real challenge. I respect his skills," Nurmagomedov responded when asked about the importance of facing Ferguson for his legacy. "Like fighter, he's a very good fighter. But why people don't like him? Because he's stupid guy. Nobody understands him. He looks stupid."
Ferguson responded by saying he's "very educated," and later blasted Nurmagomedov for his lack of cardio. "You don't have the conditioning for 11 rounds, it doesn't matter the opponent," Ferguson said to Nurmagomedov "Dirty Q-tip. F---ing fat. You're about the same size as (Daniel) Cormier right now, dude.
“You like beating on high school wrestlers who are preparing for state the week (after)? And you like having homeless people do push-ups in New York and making fun of them," Ferguson said later in the conference, referring to a viral video of Nurmagomedov and his crew berating a homeless person. "I owe you two to the stomach, and you owe me 20 push-ups, but I will do the push-ups with you when you lose.”
Nurmagomedov remained mostly calm for much of the press conference. He praised Ferguson's talent and skill as a fighter. However, as the insults kept slinging back-and-forth, the tension started to rise and Nurmagomedov became more invested and visibly upset.
"This guy is one of the best in the world and when I watch my legacy in the lightweight division, I think I have to fight with Tony Ferguson," Nurmagomedov said at another point. "If I want to become the greatest lightweight ever, I have to beat this guy. That's why I'm here."
The two argued over who could win in a street fight with Ferguson warning the champion he's "f---ing with somebody you don't want to."
"Hey, sunglasses, in street fight, I can eat you," Nurmagomedov responded. "You understand? Who are you? You never fight - you (are an) American guy. In America, you cannot fight in the street. I am from real mountain. I can eat you in street fight. What are you talking about?"
Nurmagomedov took particular offense when Ferguson told the media that his preparation and strategy hasn't changed since their original 2015 booking and that he's not worried about what Nurmagomedov does.
"You worry about me," Nurmagomedov responded. "Be honest with fans. You liar. Honestly, you lie. You don't worry about my skill?"
"You're getting mad Khabib," Ferguson taunted. And with that, we had the official stare down, which was filled with even more drama and excitement.
UFC 249 is scheduled for April 18 in Brooklyn. The lightweight title fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson will serve as the main event with highly anticipated strawweight rematch between Jessica Andrade and Rose Namajunas as the co-main event.