Michael Chiesa’s Prediction: Khabib Nurmagomedov Will Defeat Tony Ferguson at UFC 223

Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight contender Michael Chiesa believes Khabib Nurmagomedov has the edge in his fight with Tony Ferguson at UFC 223 on April 7.

The fight between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov has been scheduled three times previously, with the latest at UFC 209 for the interim UFC lightweight championship. The fight had to cancelled as Nurmagomedov was hospitalized as a result of the huge weight cut.

Fight fans are eager to see these two elite lightweights battle it out, which will take place as the main event at UFC 223 inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with the winner to be crowned as the undisputed lightweight title holder.

Another fighter on the card is lightweight contender Michael Chiesa. Chiesa takes on former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Chiesa last fought in June last year against Kevin Lee, where he lost the bout via submission under highly controversial circumstances.

Chiesa recently spoke to MMAJunkie.com and gave his thoughts on the matchup between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov:

“I don’t see Tony trying to stop the takedowns. But Khabib’s going to pay for it. I still think Khabib wins, three (rounds) to two. Possibly a split decision. I think Tony’s going to win some rounds off his back. (If) Tony wins, I wouldn’t be surprised, but I just don’t know if (Tony has) the right grappling style to beat Khabib. I think to beat Khabib, you’ve got to maintain a scramble once you hit the floor and try to spin around and scramble to dominant position. I think Tony’s going to accept the guard. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but I don’t think it’s the best thing.”