Tony Ferguson is still desperate to go head-to-head with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The lightweight duo was matched up against each other five times during their legendary UFC careers.
A series of amazingly unfortunate events meant they never squared off inside the Octagon.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in 2020, and he’s batted away comeback talk ever since – but Tony Ferguson has an idea that will allow the bitter rivals to finally settle their beef without either of them throwing a single punch.
- READ MORE: Who is Tony Ferguson? Meet the iconic UFC fighter who redefined what it meant to be a ‘Boogeyman’
Tony Ferguson & Khabib Nurmagomedov as TUF coaches?
On Tuesday, The Ultimate Fighter 33 kicked off with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen as coaches.
Tony Ferguson attended a media event to mark the latest season of the show that made him.
During a press scrum, ‘El Cucuy’ pitched himself and Khabib Nurmagomedov as future TUF coaches.
“I’m the only person his dad said, before he passed away, that this is the fight to make,” Ferguson said.
“Now, regardless if it’s a fight, grappling, or anything, I know that he does keep his dad’s word.
“I know that I never talked about his religion, his wife, or anybody else that goes about it.
“But I know competition-wise, we keep it cordial. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to coach against each other at The Ultimate Fighter.”
Tony Ferguson praises Islam MakhacHev
The long-time rival of Khabib Nurmagomedov also made a huge claim about Islam Makhachev ahead of his upcoming welterweight debut
Ferguson insists Makhachev is a better wrestler than the most dominant grappler in MMA history.
“Someone was asking me who I think is a better wrestler out of Makhachev and Khabib,” he told Helen Yee.
“I think Makhachev is a better grappler, honestly. I think he’s faster, I think with Khabib he’s a little more timid of the freestyle that Makhachev presents, but I think Makhachev isn’t gonna do so bad at 170lbs, he’s gonna be alright.”