'I swear I by no means thought-about Tony Ferguson an elite UFC light-weight'

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired late final 12 months after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.

With that announcement went the hopes of the ultra-lucrative and explosive possibilities of Khabib taking up Conor McGregor as soon as extra.

Dana White and Khabib had their meeting on Fight Island, but White has been unable to tempt Khabib back — Dana White and Khabib had their assembly on Struggle Island, however White has been unable to tempt Khabib again

McGregor’s loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 gave the impression to be the ultimate nail in that coffin, however one other matchup we’ll by no means see is Khabib versus Tony Ferguson.

UFC tried to make that struggle 5 occasions. 5 occasions!

Accidents and at last COVID-19 all the time acquired in the best way of the light-weight showdown and the final time they had been set to fulfill they had been each on 12-fight win streaks.

Issues are very totally different now. Justin Gaethje stepped into Khabib’s place final Might and dismantled Ferguson, incomes a shot at The Eagle later that very same 12 months.

Ferguson and Nurmagmedov have never been able to make the fight happen — Ferguson and Nurmagmedov have by no means been in a position to make the struggle occur

Ferguson tried to rebound in opposition to Charles Oliveira and got here unstuck as soon as once more to file his second loss in a row.

Talking throughout an interview with ACA fighter Magomed Ismailov, Khabib says he by no means believed Ferguson was a high fighter.

“I swear I by no means thought-about him an elite light-weight,” Khabib stated of Ferguson. “He was excellent however I by no means counted him so as a result of it’s not possible to be elite at 37 years outdated. It’s by no means been earlier than and even I can’t do that. At 37 years within the light-weight division, no manner. However heavyweights can. It’s my opinion and you can’t change it.

“Secondly, since 2016 he fought Kevin Lee, (Edson) Barboza, (Anthony) Pettis, and (Donald) Cerrone. These fighters have 20 losses for these 4 years! It signifies that since 2016 he didn’t struggle good fighters. However now he confronted younger and high fighters, I imply Charles Olvieira and Justin Gaethje. They outclassed him, you noticed this. Each fighters simply dominated Tony.”

Khabib makes just a few good factors right here. Ferguson’s age being one in all them and having to fight younger, hungry fighters.

However nonetheless, to say didn’t struggle any good fighters since 2016 is a powerful assertion!