Why the fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson once again did not take place.

The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson has been canceled, Max Holloway will replace him, we have prepared it urgently, use it.

You can place a bet on Khabib Nurmagomedov or Max Holloway by clicking on the banner of the 1XBET bookmaker

In the main event of the UFC 223 tournament on April 7, what UFC fans from Russia have been waiting for so long will take place, Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight for the champion belt, and Tony Ferguson will become his opponent. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, because Tony is very dangerous, but let's move on to familiarization and analysis.

Khabib Nurmagomedov fighter representing Russian Federation, he is 28 years old, his record is (25-0, 9-0 UFC). The most famous rivals defeated by him: Rafael dos Anjos, Michael Johnson, Edson Barbosa. According to many experts, Orel is one of the three best UFC grapplers, regardless of the weight category. He is ranked 14th in the P4P rankings, one of three fighters currently there who has never held a UFC championship belt.

Tony Ferguson is a 33-year-old US fighter with a record of 25-3, 13-1 UFC. The most famous fighters defeated by him: Edson Barbosa, Rafael dos Anjos, Kevin Lee. The only defeat in the UFC, El Kukuyu was caused by Michael Johnson, it happened at the UFC on FOX 3 tournament in 2012, since then Tony has won 11 fights in a row. Ferguson is a versatile fighter who can cause trouble to his opponent, both on the stand and on the ground.

Analysis of the fight:

• Stand, both fighters have good, but not high-class skills in this aspect, if we turn to the numbers, we will see a slight advantage for Khabib, he hits more accurately and defends himself better from blows.
• Parterre, the fight for both fighters is on the highest level. But in many ways Nurmagomedov is superior to his opponent, including: defense against takedowns and successful takedown attempts. Tony has a slight advantage in successful submission attempts. In terms of control in the stalls, Khabib is also ahead. In general, the plus in this aspect goes to Nurmagomedov.
• Anthropometric data, here the advantage is on Ferguson's side, in height by 3 cm and in arm span by 15 cm.
• Endurance, the Eagle never fought more than three rounds, but the amount of work he sometimes put in during that time could well surpass that of many fighters who fought 5 rounds. Therefore, it is completely unknown how he will behave in the championship rounds, it is worth saying that Tony has everything in order with endurance if he does not miss a lot in the first rounds. In this aspect, it is natural to put an equal sign.
• Morale, both fighters are on the rise. Khabib never lost Tony last time endured the bitterness of defeat almost 5 years ago.
• The fight will take place in the United States, which means that the support of the local public will be on the side of Ferguson. This fact it is customary to consider it a plus to the local fighter, but sometimes everything happens the other way around, the burden of responsibility is so great that the fighter breaks under him even before the fight.

Odds for the fight Khabib Nurmagomedov - Tony Ferguson from Pari-Match

Khabib Nurmagomedov win - 1.42

Tony Ferguson win - 2.87

After evaluating all the aspects that may affect the victory, the favorite in this fight is Khabib Nurmagomedov. Since most likely the fight will take place on the ground, where Orel will have an advantage, primarily due to transfers and a dominant position. The second option for betting in this fight is total rounds less than 4.5, which in Pari-Match means that the fight will not reach the decision of the judges. This fight is expected to take place in an aggressive manner that will be imposed by Nurmagomedov, so this option quite suitable for a single bet.

Prediction: Khabib Nurmagomedov win, total rounds under 4.5 (fight will not go to a decision of the judges)

2018-01-17T12:25:11+03:00

Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight for the UFC title. Details

It will happen on April 7th in Brooklyn. The UFC will make an official announcement in the coming days..

What does it mean?

Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be the first fighter with a Russian passport to compete for the UFC championship belt. Before him, Igor Zinoviev (March 13, 1998), Ali Bagautinov (June 14, 2014) and Valentina Shevchenko (September 17, 2017), who - contrary to popular belief - has Russian passport. All three lost.

Even earlier, on July 14, 1995, Oleg Taktarov won the UFC 6 tournament, but at that moment the tournament system was different, and this does not equal the title of UFC champion in today's meaning. This needs to be said as Khabib now has the best chance of being number one. UFC champion From Russia.

On April 7 (8th Moscow time), he will have to fight Tony Ferguson in New York (Barclays Center in Brooklyn). Mairbek Taysumov, Magomed Bibulatov and Zabit Magomedsharipov may also fight there.

What you need to know about the Nurmagomedov-Ferguson fight?

This is the UFC's fourth attempt at this fight - and the organization hasn't worked on one fight for so long. Interestingly, each time the rates increased.

December 11, 2015 they were supposed to have their first fight at the TUF 22 Finale show. Khabib pulled out of the fight with a rib injury, Tony Ferguson fought Edson Barboza and extended his unbeaten streak to seven fights.

April 16, 2016 Khabib returned to the octagon after suffering three injuries in a row and two years without a fight. His opponent was supposed to be Tony Ferguson, but 10 days before the fight, Ferguson reported that doctors had found unnecessary fluid in his lungs and he would not be able to fight. Khabib fought Darrell Horcher. Ferguson got into a fight in July.

March 4, 2017 the interim UFC belt was at stake, Khabib and Tony spoke equally badly about McGregor and had to fight each other for the right to beat Conor. But less than 48 hours before the fight, Khabib ended up in the hospital.

Fall 2017 they could fight again, but Khabib refused to force his recovery and fought Edson Barboza in December. Ferguson defeated Kevin Lee on October 7 to become the Interim Lightweight Champion.

Right now, Tony Ferguson's MMA stats are 23 wins, 3 losses. He is on a 10 straight win streak in the UFC. Khabib has 25 wins, 0 losses and has already won 9 times in the UFC.

What's going on with Conor McGregor?

According to unofficial information, in the coming days it will be officially announced that McGregor will be stripped of his lightweight title - and that the real champion will be determined in the battle between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson.

Conor McGregor has held four championship belts in his career - and did not defend any of them. In 2012, he became the champion of the Cage Warriors organization in the featherweight (up to 66 kg) and lightweight (up to 70 kg) weight categories - and immediately after that he left for the UFC. In December 2015, he became the UFC featherweight champion, and in November 2016, he also became the lightweight champion. Thus, Conor made history by becoming the first reigning UFC champion in two weight categories. He remained in this status for only 13 days: the UFC stripped him of his 66 kg title for inactivity. The removal of the 70 kg title became necessary after Conor did not agree to defend his belt in the spring of 2018. UFC President Dana White said on FS 1 on January 14 that with all the love for Conor and everything he has done for the company, waiting for him until September would be unfair to other fighters. “Khabib vs Tony is in development. If Conor decides to come back, he will be the first to have the opportunity to fight the winner of this fight,” White said.

What is the danger for Khabib?

At the time of the fight, Tony Ferguson will have a break of exactly six months (from October 7 to April 7). Khabib fought for the last time on December 30 - and he has a hundred days left to recover and prepare for Ferguson. Khabib has never fought with such frequency in the UFC. From publications in in social networks it can be understood that next weekend Nurmagomedov will visit Islam Makhachev's fight in Boston, and on January 24 he will make a second transatlantic flight and arrive in Bishkek. This is especially difficult to turn a blind eye when you know that Tony Ferguson was one of the first MMA fighters to start training like professional boxers do. Ferguson does not train in a specific gym, but gathers a team of coaches and sparring partners needed for a particular fight and opponent, and only then chooses a place to train.

Ferguson, like Khabib (but not this time), practices training in the mountains and regularly arranges camps in Big Bear (California) at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level, which gives endurance. Ferguson is four years older than Khabib, he fought one five-round fight in his career, and this is one five-round fight more than in Nurmagomedov's career.

How much can they earn?

Tony Ferguson earned $500,000 for the fight with Kevin Lee, receiving a guaranteed $250 for the exit and the same amount for the victory.

Khabib's last fight - including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus - earned him $210,000. The manager of the Russian advised not to believe these figures and to know that Khabib's income from fights is higher (the authors of this material have repeatedly heard the same thing from Khabib himself). In addition, Nurmagomedov has a personal contract with a sportswear brand, manufacturer sports nutrition and the Russian team Eagles, funded by billionaire Ziyavudin Magomedov.

Nurmagomedov becomes the first Russian UFC fighter with international popularity. The fight with Edson Barboza on December 30 was an opportunity for the UFC to see this again. Khabib works brilliantly for several audiences. For Russia, this is a person who speaks Russian and beats people in the USA. For Americans, this is a fighter who can give the public conflict and who runs an Instagram with three million followers in two languages. Finally Khabib is being watched Central Asia And Arab countries as a person who puts religion above all else. And in modern sports there are not many people who consider victories of this caliber to be the merit of the Almighty. Finally, the UFC 219 tournament, in which the co-main event of the evening was a fight with Khabib, became the third most paid broadcast purchases in 2017.

MOSCOW, March 4 - R-Sport. Russian mixed martial arts fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, for health reasons, will not be able to fight for the title of interim champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in lightweight with American Tony Ferguson.

Nurmagomedov is undefeated in 24 fights, has been successfully performing in the UFC since 2012 and managed to gain popularity in the world. It is no coincidence that the Russian on Thursday was awarded the World MMA Awards in the nomination "Best International Fighter of the Year". Many fans of this sport expected Nurmagomedov's fight with the reigning UFC lightweight champion Irishman Conor McGregor, and the fight with Ferguson, who also occupies a high position in the UFC rankings, was perceived as a kind of passable obstacle that had to be overcome on the way to the famous Irishman. However, the fate of the fight was different.

A few hours before the official weigh-in procedure, the father and coach of the Russian fighter Adbulmanap Nurmagomedov said that Khabib was in the hospital due to severe complications that were the result of weight loss. After the UFC on the official website, which was supposed to take place in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

"Khabib Nurmagomedov was taken to the hospital on Thursday evening due to medical problems related to weight management. He received treatment and was discharged. The scheduled fight between Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson was canceled on the recommendation of a doctor," the statement said.

On the eve of the fight, Nurmagomedov and Ferguson fueled the excitement for this fight with public appearances in a typical Western manner, connecting MacGregor to their dive.

But Ferguson eventually reacted with understanding to the cancellation of the fight and wished Khabib a speedy recovery. “I hope you feel better Khabib, I pray for your recovery, get better,” wrote the American in his account in Instagram.

The Nurmagomedov team, in turn, apologized to the side of the American. "I sincerely apologize to Tony and his camp. The most important thing on this moment Khabib's health Now he is in his room. We are not yet thinking about what will happen next. Once again, I want to apologize to Tony, his team and all the fans of the UFC, we really really wanted to have this fight, "said the manager of the Russian Ali Abdel-Aziz.

The father of the Russian fighter called the UFC decision to cancel the fight correct.

“You can’t risk your health. Khabib needs a healthy person for the country. We will discuss the future of Khabib’s career later after returning, but after a week. Two years Khabib can still fight. But this weight cut still made itself felt,” Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov told the agency "R-Sport".

There will be no replacement

American fighter Michael Johnson said he was ready to replace Nurmagomedov in a fight with Ferguson, but the latter refused the offer. Johnson had already fought Ferguson in May 2012 and won by unanimous decision, and in his last fight in November 2016, he lost to Nurmagomedov, missing a painful hold.

"I'm ready to give Tony Ferguson the opportunity to take revenge tomorrow. I'm already in town," Johnson wrote on his Twitter account.

"I was ready and wanted to have this title fight at the last minute. Unfortunately Tony Ferguson turned down my offer. I'll catch you another time," Johnson tweeted a few hours later.

I was ready and willing!! To make that title weight for the last minute. unfortunately

UFC representatives have not made any official statements on this matter, but numerous informed sources close to the situation say that this is the organization’s plan, although the issue cannot yet be considered resolved. Nevertheless, given the large Russian community in Brooklyn, such a move seems quite logical.

At the same time, Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, stated that they were not going to fight Tony Ferguson for an interim title, which currently owned by an American.

"Khabib's next fight, we're not going to fight for a fucking interim title," Abdelaziz said. “We need a real belt, or nothing. We appreciate everything the UFC does for us, but now it's time to fight for a real belt. No one is interested in fighting for a fake belt. Tony Ferguson has a fake belt and no one wants it."

Thus, the Russian manager hints that the organization should deprive the title of the current UFC lightweight champion, Conor McGregor, and put it on the line in the fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson. Earlier, UFC President Dana White said that the Irishman would be stripped of his title if he did not decide on his future by March, and UFC commentator Joe Rogan next issue his podcast suggested that this is the most likely scenario.

This scenario fits perfectly with the plans of the Russian lightweight, who, after defeating Edson Barboza at UFC 219 in Las Vegas, said that he wants to fight three fights in 2018 - in April-May, after Ramadan in September, and in December. Rumors of a possible September UFC event at the Olimpiysky Sports Complex also seem to be part of the plan, with Russian heavyweight Alexei Oleinik claiming a UFC Russia event will be announced before the end of next month.

“I help a little in the negotiations between the UFC and the Russian side,” Oleinik said in an interview with Championship. “I can say that the UFC will definitely come to Russia. Precisely predict when this will happen until it happens. In a few weeks - I think during February - they should officially announce - what, where and when.

Who will lead the first Russian show? Well, we have, perhaps, one main option - this is Khabib. Plus, for sure, they will also put our guys on the card: me, Omari Akhmedov, Alexander Volkov, Zabit Magomedsharipov, Shamil Abdurakhimov and others.

Recall that yesterday, representatives of the Olimpiysky sports complex confirmed the booking of the arena by an American organization for September 14 and 15, and Khabib Nurmagomedov's father said that they would be directly related to this event.

“I think the tournament will be made for the fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib,” Nurmagomedov Sr. is quoted by Sportbox. “First, they will launch the fight between Khabib and Ferguson in April, and in September they will organize the fight with McGregor. Or maybe they will immediately make a duel with Conor. Khabib wants to fight in Russia, because, firstly, I will be in his corner, and secondly, it will take place in front of his native fans. In Russia, we are ready to perform on any terms. Even for free"

Two superfights with the participation of Russian fighters were scheduled for the first weekend of the first month of spring. March 3 in the capital's "Olympic" - the M-1 Challenge 75 tournament with the participation, in which he meets with Paul Bradley. On the night of March 5, Moscow was scheduled to fight an undefeated Russian UFC fighter in Las Vegas with an American Tony Ferguson for the title of interim champion. However, it has been cancelled. "SE" collects the main thing about the two fights.

20.00, Moscow time. The fight is in jeopardy. During the preliminary weigh-in procedure, which is mandatory for fighters (the end is at 22.00 Moscow time), it becomes known: the athlete was hospitalized and he is likely to miss the event.

"Khabib is in the hospital. He suddenly felt a sharp pain, an ambulance was called. There is no exact diagnosis yet - either kidney or liver. Will there be a fight? So far I have no information," the father and trainer of the fighter Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov who did not receive a US visa and stayed at home.

Additional information - Nurmagomedov extremely drove weight. According to some reports, he became ill in the sauna.

22.00. UFC in a press release announces: the fight between and Ferguson canceled on the recommendation of doctors. It is reported that the Russian athlete was hospitalized on Thursday evening due to problems that arose during the "regulation" of the weight. The fighter has already been discharged from the hospital after providing the necessary medical care.

The battle Nurmagomedov And Ferguson breaks down for the third time. In December 2015, the fight did not take place due to the injury of the Russian, and in April 2016, after the refusal of the American due to lung problems.

Alexander SHLEMENKO (left) and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Photo "SE"

INTERVIEW OF THE DAY

Father and coach of the most successful Russian fighter in UFC - Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov spoke about his son's tactics for the fight against the American Tony Ferguson. Interim championship fight UFC The lightweight division will take place on March 4 in Las Vegas.

Khabib Nurmagomedov with his father. Photo Instagram photo

QUOTE OF THE DAY

REPORT OF THE DAY

INTERVIEW NURMAGOMEDOV

In the previous fight, he defeated an American with a painful hold. Michael Johnson, bringing his unbeaten streak to 24 wins.

When I finished the first round, I saw that Dana White was very close to me. He said: “You have a fight, you should be focused on it now,” said Nurmagomedov, who is quoted by official channel UFC on Youtube. - To which I replied: "Yes, everything is in order, this fight is almost over." Michael Johnson is a tough guy, but I beat him in a fight. And I said, "When are you going to give me a title shot?"

When I came into this sport, I wanted only one thing - to become the undefeated UFC lightweight champion. This is my dream. Conor McGregor was never my dream, I never thought about him. I don't care about Conor at all! I only think about the championship belt.

When I enter the cage, I think: this is another rival, and I have to finish him off. It doesn't matter who. The UFC gave me this opponent and I'm going to beat him.

​

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Father and coach of the best Russian MMA fighter Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov announced that his son Khabib will complete professional career in 2018.

I have never told anyone about this before, but soon Khabib will really need to complete, - life.ru quotes the words of Nurmagomedov Sr. - I do not want to upset the fans, but each person has his own resource, and it is not limitless. Khabib has one and a half to two years left for fighting.

Now on March 4, you need to win, and win convincingly, so as not to give the judges a hint of a chance to come up with something, Tony Ferguson. After that, fight for the championship belt, ideally with Conor McGregor. Well, in 2018, defend the title two, maximum three times. Khabib is now 28 years old, he should finish at 30. I need my son to benefit our country and other fighters, to help martial arts develop in Russia.

NEWS OF THE DAY

The main charm of the battle - Tony Ferguson consists in the fact that the winner is promised a meeting with himself. This is not just speculation, but the words of UFC President Dana White.

I don’t know at what stage the negotiations between McGregor and Mayweather are, White quotes TMZ. - I expect Conor to fight the winner of the Ferguson-Nurmagomedov fight next. These are the first and second numbers of the rating, they are tough fighters. They hate each other, you can't think of a better fight. McGregor and Nurmagomedov? Khabib is cool, but Conor's strength has been questioned since he joined the UFC.