Tony Ferguson Cleared To Fight, Wants Title Fight With Nurmagomedov

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has attempted to match Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov on four separate occasions without success, with a mix of injuries and failed weight cuts forcing the promotion to scrap the bout each time.

Despite UFC President Dana White claiming the promotion would never match them again, the fight could finally come to fruition later this year after Nurmagomedov serves his nine-month suspension for his involvement in the post-UFC 229 brawl.

Ferguson was meant to fight Nurmagomedov as part of UFC 223 in April last year for the vacant lightweight belt. Although Ferguson – who was the interim champ at the time - injured his knee in the lead-up to the event and was eventually replaced with Al Iaquinta. “The Eagle” outscored Iaquinta over five rounds on the night and claimed the belt and is finally positioned to defend it against the number one contender in “El Cucuy” later in the year.

Ferguson has recently been battling with some personal issues and announced on Twitter that he has finally been given the all-clear to return to training and regain what he believes is rightfully his. The 35-year-old “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 13 winner said he wants Nurmagomedov to fight him or vacate the title.

Passed my Med Eval last week. I’m excited about retaining my ufc Lightweight Status that was stripped due to injury. Khabib not actively competing over some time should be stripped. A high Rank title fight/superfight between @TeamKhabib & I is what the fans want #defendorvacate pic.twitter.com/Iyq5Tff6ww

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 7, 2019

“Passed my Med Eval last week. I’m excited about retaining my ufc Lightweight Status that was stripped due to injury. Khabib not actively competing over some time should be stripped. A high Rank title fight/superfight between @TeamKhabib & I is what the fans want #defendorvacate” Ferguson tweeted.

Ferguson may have a hard time convincing UFC matchmakers that he deserves his chance as this weekend at UFC 236 the interim lightweight belt goes on the line with Dustin Poirier set to face Max Holloway. Featherweight champion Holloway is moving up a weight class and a strong performance from either fighter may force the UFC’s hand in getting the first shot at Nurmagomedov.