Islam Makhachev called out former interim champion and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s arch-nemesis Tony Ferguson after his spectacular win over Drew Dober at UFC 259. In the past, Makhachev has called out Ferguson on numerous occasions. Earlier, even Khabib Nurmagomedov had proposed Islam Makhachev as a potential opponent for Tony Ferguson after his TKO loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC 249.
Islam has clearly stated that he wants to retire Tony Ferguson. Islam added that Ferguson continues to talk about the hugely anticipated match-up against Khabib Nurmagomedov and since Khabib has retired, he wants to finish the job for his close friend.
However, this begs to ask the question. Can Islam Makhachev beat Tony Ferguson? In the past, we have talked about how Tony Fegruson was the biggest threat to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undefeated streak. However, the match-up could never capitalize and now with Nurmagomedov retired, and Ferguson riding on a two-fight losing streak, it seems highly unlikely that Nurmagomedov vs Ferguson will ever happen.
Needless to say, doubts still linger in fight fans if Ferguson could have beaten Khabib had they met inside the Octagon. Be that as it may, Islam Makhachev wants to put the debate to rest by matching up against Tony Ferguson. Khabib has stated that Islam Makhachev is the next best lightweight in the world.
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Nurmagomedov believes that Islam Makhachev has what it takes to become the next champion. The Dagestani fighter has garnered a lot of praise from fight fans around the world after his recent performance. It will be interesting to see who he fights next. In any scenario, if it’s Ferguson, the question remains, can Islam Makhachev beat the El Cucuy and seemingly put a rest to the argument about Tony Ferguson vs Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Can Tony Ferguson beat Islam Makhachev?
Islam Makhachev, similar to his friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, is a fighter who relies on his ground game to dominate his opponents. Additionally, Makhachev’s striking game is also incredibly underrated just like Nurmagomedov.
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Islam holds the record for least number of strikes absorbed in the history of UFC. However, Tony Ferguson still poses problems on the ground. While Daniel Cormier has gone on to say that Islam Makhachev can beat Khabib Nurmagomedov in pure wrestling, Islam is still relatively less active on the ground. There’s no denying Islam’s control time on the ground. However, he is less active and not similar to Nurmagomedov’s “ground and pound” style of fighting.
It allows for Tony Ferguson to use his submission skills. As seen from his last fight against Charles Oliiveira, Ferguson is capable of surviving on the ground and is always on the look-out for an opening.
Tony Ferguson, despite the age and recent setbacks is still an elite lightweight contender who has what it takes to make a comeback. Should Islam Makhachev and Tony Ferguson battle it out inside the UFC Octagon, it will be interesting to see who gets his hands raised after everything is said and done.
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