It is one of the more anticipated contender match-ups in UFC lightweight history but it seems we are still no closer to officially arranging the long-anticipated bout between the #1 and #2 fighters in the 155-pound division, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.
Three times the two rivals have been scheduled to face each other and three times the bouts have failed to come to fruition, the most recent of which being UFC 209 last March when difficulties in making the contracted weight limit ruled Nurmagomedov out of the fight.
The UFC appears to be targeting their return to Madison Square Garden in November to finally have Ferguson and Nurmagomedov square off and, as you might have expected, the verbal barbs have begun in earnest between the two fighters.
I'm waiting for you in New York
just take this fight, everybody waiting your decision— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 9, 2017
Ferguson responded, saying that Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali AbdelAziz has already turned down the fight on Khabib’s behalf, stating that the Russian isn’t “well enough” to fight.
Your MGR @aliabdelaziz00 Informed @ufc U Are Not Well Enough To Fight Me At MSG, Turned Down The Fight On Your Behalf. Don't Fool Your Fans https://t.co/Z6yKrgJTTf
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) August 9, 2017
As if to add fuel to the fire, AbdelAziz has waded in on the Twitter feud, doubling down on the Madison Square Garden challenge and disputing Ferguson’s claims that the Nurmagomedov camp had pulled the plug on the potential fight.
MSG let's get it
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) August 9, 2017
You're full of shit we agreed to fight you at MSG sign contract we will be there to beat your ass
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) August 9, 2017
I heard you insisting on fight with someone in October? What's happened? Looking for #runaway road you POS? @TonyFergusonXT
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 9, 2017
Stop talking, fans waiting, we must finish our business.@TonyFergusonXT
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 9, 2017
There is really only so much talking that both sides of this argument can do without fully settling their quarrel in the cage but if a fourth booking between the two contenders once again fails to happen, you can see the UFC cutting their losses and exploring different avenues at the summit of the 155-pound fold.
