Khabib Nurmagomedov: Tony Ferguson stands in way of becoming greatest lightweight

LAS VEGAS – Khabib Nurmagomedov does not like Tony Ferguson, but the UFC lightweight champ understands what “El Cucuy” means to his legacy.

“I like challenges,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie at a Friday news conference in Las Vegas. “If you watch, like, when I fought Conor (McGregor), when I fought Dustin Poirier, when I fought all my fights – this guy is one of the best in the world. When I watch my legacy in the lightweight division, I think, ‘Hey, I have to fight this Tony Ferguson.’”

The MMA world has long thought along very similar lines. The matchup between Nurmagomedov (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC), the undefeated titleholder, and Ferguson (25-3 MMA, 15-1 UFC), the former interim champ who only lost his title due to an injury, has been scheduled four times previously – only to fall apart each time.

Now the pair are scheduled to headline UFC 249, which takes place April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Nurmagomedov currently sits at No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings, with Ferguson just behind at No. 2, so the stakes of the contest are clear.

The emotion behind it also became evident Friday, when the two engaged in several lengthy verbal clashes before they stood in front of each other for a very spirited staredown.

Nurmagomedov admitted he is no fan of Ferguson as a person, but said he understands the danger the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 13” and owner of an impressive 12-fight UFC winning streak brings to the cage.

“I think we have to fight,” Nurmagomedov said. “I think he deserves this. He’s a real challenge. I respect his skills, but (as a) fighter. He is a very good fighter, but why people don’t like him is because he’s a stupid guy. Nobody understands him. Like, honestly, he looks stupid. That’s why nobody likes him. But (as a) fighter, he’s a very good fighter, and I respect his skill. That’s why he’s here.

“Biggest fight of the year, and we’ll see April 18.”

It’s a clash that has been long-anticipated in MMA circles, and though it’s seemed cursed, at times, after falling apart for a variety of scenarios, Nurmagomedov is focused on the contest. According to the Dagestani dominator, beating Ferguson is imperative to cementing his place in history.

“If I want to become the greatest lightweight ever, I have to beat this guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “That’s why I’m here.”