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Khamzat Chimaev has offered some kind words to Tony Ferguson after the knockout he suffered at the hands (well, foot) of Michael Chandler at last weekend’s UFC 274 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ferguson, who was making his first Octagon appearance in almost exactly a year, suffered his fourth successive defeat early in the second round when Chandler landed a spectacular front kick down the middle which connected with Ferguson chin and sent him tumbling face-first into the canvas.

It was a stunning knockout and a surefire contender for the year’s best when all is said and done.

Ferguson has since stated that he will be back before long and Dana White, speaking in the post-fight media conference, indicated that he was impressed by Ferguson’s first round before the fight-ending shot in the second — but another who has backed ‘El Cucuy’ is rising welterweight star Chimaev, who took to Twitter on Monday to pay tribute to the veteran lightweight.

“Keep your head up you are already a legend in this sport,” wrote Chimaev on Twitter, while also tagging Ferguson.

Chimaev’s remarks mirror those of Chandler, who paid tribute to Ferguson both before and after their fight, referring to the longtime UFC contender as “one of one” and a “unique” fighter.