MMA Weekly

Islam Makhachev needs to assist Tony Ferguson retire

After Islam Makhachev’s dominant efficiency that led to a third-round submission victory over Drew Dober at UFC 259 through arm-triangle choke, the Dagestani light-weight contemplated what could possibly be subsequent. Makhachev is the coaching accomplice and protege of UFC light-weight champion and all-time nice Khabib Nurmagomedov. In an ideal world, Makhachev wish to face an elusive rival of his shut pal. “My dream combat is Tony [Ferguson] as a result of we’ve some cope with him, like a pair years now,” he mentioned on the UFC 259 post-fight press convention. Makhachev’s reference to his camp’s dealings with “El Cucuy” level to the 5 beforehand scheduled bouts between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov, which all fell aside in extraordinarily unlucky vogue. “I don’t perceive this man, however I wish to simply assist him retire,” Makhachev mentioned. “He’s outdated. His thoughts is slightly bit loopy. That’s why I simply wish to assist him.” Other than the comedic jabs, Makhachev additionally takes challenge with those that claimed the fantasy match-up between Ferguson and Khabib can be a troublesome combat for the latter. With a chance to combat Ferguson, Makhachev believes he can quiet those that believed he had a reliable likelihood at defeating Nurmagomedov. “I simply wish to present individuals how Khabib would take him down, make him drained, make him faucet,” Makhachev mentioned. “Everyone talks like Tony is a tough combat for Khabib, however I by no means assume like that as a result of Khabib’s wrestling and grappling is a special degree.” TRENDING > ESPN releases footage of Petr Yan’s nook after controversial unlawful knee Islam Makhachev does not low cost Tony Ferguson’s abilities Regardless of Makhachev’s perception that Khabib would handily defeat Ferguson, he gave credit score the place it’s due. “Tony is an excellent fighter as a result of he completed lots of guys,” Makhachev mentioned. “That’s why I simply wish to test my abilities, and I do know I can end him.” Fairly frankly, Makhachev is well-deserving of a combat with a high-ranking light-weight contender. The truth that Ferguson is ranked No. 5 within the division together with the historical past between Ferguson and Makhachev’s camp offers the potential light-weight conflict with an attractive storyline for a combat that already makes lots of sense. “Truthfully, I simply wish to combat with someone from the top-five, however I do know all the fellows are busy,” Makhachev mentioned. “Some guys have fights like this, however I do know Tony is now free. That’s why I requested him. Let’s make this occur.” UFC 256 recap: Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira (Subscribe to MMAWeekly.com on YouTube)