It seems Khabib Nurmagomedov will look to test Tony Ferguson’s durability in their upcoming clash.
Speaking to RT Sport, UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC) gave himself the edge in numerous departments in his UFC 249 matchup vs. Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC), which takes place April 18 in Brooklyn, N.Y..
“I always rate my chances higher than those of my opponents, since I can’t approach a fight with uncertainty,” Nurmagomedov said, as translated by RT Sport. “I think I’m a lot better than him at wrestling. I’m much better than him physically. I’m tougher than him, and I haven’t lost yet, unlike him.”
Showing plenty of improvements in his striking game, Nurmagomedov believes he can surprise Ferguson with his power, just like he did when he dropped Conor McGregor with a big overhand right in their UFC 229 contest.
“Unlike him, I haven’t been knocked down yet,” Nurmagomedov said. “He has – I believe seven UFC knockdowns, a lot of falls from punches, so I can hit, and I’m going to hit him especially hard.”
Despite the advantages Nurmagomedov believes he holds, “The Eagle” said he is aware that on paper, Ferguson is perhaps his toughest test to date, which is why he has already started training camp, despite the fight still being four months away.
“I think it’s probably also right to note his strengths,” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s also on a good winning streak; he hasn’t lost since 2012. He’s a very good opponent. In the history of the UFC there’s never been a fight between two people with 12 wins in a row, so it’ll be a big historic event. As an opponent, I take him very seriously.”
