Spinning Back Clique: Is Tony Ferguson or Justin Gaethje a bigger threat to Khabib?

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode,  John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” look ahead to UFC 249 and more.

SHOW RUNDOWN:

• Saturday night’s UFC 249 headliner pits Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title and the right, presumably, to unify against champion Khabib Nurmagomedov later this year. So the question is: Which guy is a bigger threat to Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record?
• The reason we use the word “presumably” is because Conor McGregor is out there and can probably step into any fight he wants if he just let’s Dana White know what that is. But one thing about McGregor: He’s all about the crowd. And with the current coronavirus pandemic forcing the UFC to continue events in empty venues, what even makes sense for McGregor? Could you see him fighting on “Fight Island” seriously?
• Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik couldn’t convince the UFC to make their UFC 249 showdown for an interim heavyweight title. The plan, of course, is for champion Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier to have a trilogy, but nobody is sure when. With that being said, could Ngannou or Rozenstruik jump the line with an impressive win at UFC 249? And if not, what are they supposed to do?
• Kamaru Usman defending his welterweight title vs. Jorge Masvidal has seemed like a forgone conclusion for months now, BUT White has thrown us a curve ball by teasing something “interesting” could be in the works for “Gamebred.” So, if that really is the case, what would make sense then for both guys?
• One of Bellator’s biggest stars, former lightweight champion Michael Chandler, is ready to test free agency after the final fight of deal. If he leaves, where should he sign?

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 26 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.