After being booked to face each other four times and having some thing interfere on each of those occasions, Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov appear destined not to fight. But, in case they finally meet from the Octagon, the undefeated Nurmagomedov is a -200 favorite with Ferguson coming straight back at +170.
Nurmagomedov is a perfect 26-0 within his MMA career with 16 of those victories coming via stoppage. Khabib last competed in the Octagon at UFC 223 where he mauled Al Iaquinta.
With a master of sambo and a black belt in judo, Khabib excels in suffocating his opponent possibly greater than any other fighter in the UFC. Nurmagomedov is relentless in his pursuit of the takedown, and holds the record for most takedowns in a single match in UFC history (21), but is far out of his element when it comes to striking. Khabib includes a deadly variety of punches and knees that may easily set up a T/KO success.
Ferguson, the present interim champion, is 13-1 in the UFC and enters this fight on a 10-fight win streak. “El Cucuy” is excellent in using his reach to his benefit in the standup game, but is a volume striker who likes to drive the speed. He has knockout power in both hands while also demonstrating a diverse arsenal on his feet. Ferguson is not merely a striker, as nine of the 23 career victories have come via entry. His slick motion and aggressive fashion placed opponents in awkward places that he capitalizes on.
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