Khabib Nurmagomedov both became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion and retired at UFC 254, but it is Tony Ferguson who is taking credit for Nurmagomedov’s retirement.
Ferguson says that he is the reason that Nurmagomedov decided to retire from professional MMA competition.
“I’m ready for a belt,” Ferguson told Submission Radio (via Jesse Holland of MMA Mania). “That’s why I said I’m gonna throw a bit more media out there. I haven’t done it because I haven’t had a reason before. Even because I didn’t want to scare Khabib away. But even without fucking fighting that bitch I made him retire. So, like I said, props to you, ride off into the sunset with your fucking hat. When you come back, I’ll put my fucking baseball hat against your hat and we’ll have a nice cultured exchange.”
Nurmagomedov didn’t give an exact reason for retiring, but the death of his father is why many believed the fighter hung up the gloves.
Even though Nurmagomedov is retired, one thing Ferguson is doing is staying ready in case Nurmagomedov returns.
“Ali Abdelaziz did his job,” Ferguson said. “He kept his client safe, kept him away from very dangerous opponents. I mean, the Russians, they avoided me at all fucking costs. They ran. Fucking Dagestani ran with his tail between his legs. But you know what, he’s off in the sunset. I have to give him props. Go handle your family business, and I’ll see you when you get here because you’re gonna miss it like Conor. So, you know what, I’m calling it out again, he’s going to be back. So, I’ll be fucking ready.”
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