Coach: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson “is not in the picture anymore,” claims it’s “jinxed”

By Cole Shelton - October 23, 2020

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s head coach, Javier Mendez doesn’t think his pupil will ever fight Tony Ferguson.

Tony Ferguson Khabib Nurmagomedov Dana White

For years now, a fight many fans have wanted to see if Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson. Many pundits thought “El Cucuy” was the toughest test for the undefeated Dagestani champion. However, it was booked several times, but, due to botched weight cuts, fluke injuries, and a global pandemic, the fight was canceled five times.

Then, in May, Ferguson taking on Justin Gaethje for the interim title where if El Cucuy won, he would be getting the shot. However, it was “The Highlight” winning by fifth-round TKO. So, for Mendez, he doubts Nurmagomedov-Ferguson will ever happen.

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“For me, it has been jinxed and I don’t know man. I’m superstitious and look at what happened last time. Something always happens or goes wrong,” Mendez said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “I’m sure Khabib wants to fight Tony. I never talk to him about it, but I bet if I talk to Khabib he would say he wants that fight. I’ve never discussed it because it is not in the picture anymore”

Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to defend his lightweight title in the main event of UFC 254 on Saturday night on Fight Island against Justin Gaethje. Although many are calling it the toughest test of his career, Mendez still believes Conor McGregor is the toughest fight for the champ.

Tony Ferguson currently has no fight scheduled. Given what he has done in the lightweight division, he could only need one win to earn a title shot. However, with Nurmagomedov talking about retiring at 30-0, perhaps we will never get to see him take on Nurmagomedov as Mendez says. Especially due to the fact the champion has talked about making his final fight a massive one.

Do you think we will ever see Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson?


Topics:

Exclusive MMA Interviews Khabib Nurmagomedov Tony Ferguson UFC