Edson Barboza gives advantage to Tony Ferguson over Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249

Edson Barboza is familiar with both men in the UFC 249 main event.

UFC 249 is headlined by lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who defends his title against Tony Ferguson. Barboza has fought both of them.

Barboza, who suffered losses in tough battles against both fighters, told Helen Yee he gives the edge to Ferguson.

“I think Ferguson has a little advantage because he’s a little bit better striker,” Barboza said. “He’s a little bit more creative. Everybody knows what Khabib is doing, but he’s doing it very well. Everybody knows, but nobody can stop it. But I feel Ferguson has a little bit (of an edge) because he’s more creative – you never know what’s coming.

“Both guys are super powerful, but I think Khabib is more powerful, especially on the ground. He’s a little bit stronger. But some things, Khabib is better, some things Tony Ferguson is better. That’s what makes the match very exciting.”

Barboza went five rounds with Nurmagomedov at UFC 219 and survived a one-sided, 15-minute beating. He had his moments on the feet, but it was all Nurmagomedov on the ground.

Against Ferguson at the TUF 22 Finale in 2015, Barboza went through a thrilling and bloody battle in which both men stood toe-to-toe and traded. Ferguson was able to cut Barboza badly with an elbow, and ultimately capitalize on a scramble on the ground to lock in a D’Arce choke submission.

Having experienced both men at their best, Barboza said the main factor is Ferguson’s unpredictability.

“It’s going to be a great fight,” he said. “I’m very excited for this one. It’s funny, because sometimes I think about this fight and say, ‘Man, it’s a good fight for Khabib.’ But at the same time, Ferguson is hard to fight because of his style. He’s a little bit different with everybody.”

Barboza, who’s lost four out of his past five, recently announced that he will move down to 145 pounds. He has yet to have a fight booked.