MMA fans across the world have long been clamouring to see the fight between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.
Barring yet another freak injury or failed weight cut, it looks like we will be getting that bout in April. If true, this is the fifth time the UFC has attempted to make this fight happen.
According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the promotion is seeking to book the fight for 18 April at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Breaking: Per UFC president Dana White KHABIB VS TONY is being targeted to headline PPV event on April 18 in Brooklyn. Contracts not signed, but both sides interested in date and matchup pending further discussion, per sources.
Could it be? Finally? @TeamKhabib @TonyFergusonXT pic.twitter.com/kRNmgeMQtj
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 26, 2019
It’s understood Khabib has agreed to the match-up and has signed his bout agreement, while Ferguson is interested but hasn’t yet signed off on his deal.
“Fifth time is the charm,” Khabib’s manager Ali Abdelaziz told ESPN. “Tony has been asking for this ass-whipping for a long time, and he deserves it.
“He’s earned it. Khabib wanted this fight, Tony wanted it, the UFC wanted it and the fans wanted it. This fight is for the fans.”
Unbeaten Dagestan-based mauler Nurmagomedov has defended his championship twice – against Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor – since winning his title against Al Iaquinta.
Meanwhile, Ferguson – a former interim champion in the division – is currently on a 12-fight win streak and has looked highly impressive in almost all of his fights on that run.
“El Cucuy” earned stoppage wins over former UFC and WEC lightweight champ Anthony Pettis, as well as Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, on his last two outings in the Octagon.
