While there appears to be a near-zero percent chance Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson ever actually comes to fruition inside the cage, the second closest thing might be on the UFC docket.
Both fighters in recent weeks displayed interest in coaching against one another for an upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Now, UFC president Dana White has weighed in on the possibility – and he sounds like he’s just as intrigued by the proposal as anyone else.
“I’ll consider it,” White told Barstool Sports on Tuesday. “… I will absolutely entertain that idea.”
He added with a laugh, “Hopefully, they’ll get pissed off enough at each other that they’ll actually want to fight.”
Widely regarded as one of the most sought-after matchups in MMA history that never happened, Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson was scheduled on five different occasions – each time, the bout was canceled. While Ferguson is still an active fighter, Nurmagomedov retired in September 2020. Ferguson has continued to call out Nurmagomedov post-retirement for a sixth attempt at the bout, though Nurmagomedov has not taken the bait.
“The Ultimate Fighter” is currently in the midst of streaming its 30th season on ESPN+. Over the years, White has indicated the reality series holds a special place in his heart as he credits it for much of the early uptick in popularity of the brand.