Nurmagomedov’s fight with Ferguson, McGregor’s return and Adesanya’s first defense: what the UFC plans for early 2020

Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson

Apparently, the leadership of the UFC finally decided on the name of the next rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. Until recently, the press widely discussed possible revenge with Conor McGregor, as well as a meeting with ex-welterweight and middle division champion Georges Saint-Pierre. But as the head of promotion Dana White said, Tony Ferguson will become the opponent of the Russian.

“Nothing keeps us from holding this fight. He is in the process of organizing. Obviously, this is a duel that should be arranged. It will happen, ”White quotes BJPenn.com.

Such a decision by the UFC management is extremely justified. Ferguson has long been ranked first in the lightweight rating and is considered the most dangerous opponent for Nurmagomedov. At the moment, both athletes have a winning streak of 12 fights, which only adds significance to their future duel. Do not forget about the four unsuccessful attempts to reduce the fighters in the octagon, which will also raise the degree of confrontation.

The UFC President did not specify the exact timing of the fight, but noted that it should be held in the first quarter of 2020. At the same time, earlier information appeared that Nurmagomedov’s return to the octagon is planned in March-April, which slightly differs from White’s words.

However, it’s too early to talk about a specific date, since the UFC has not yet published the official tournament schedule for 2020. At the same time, it is already known that one of the shows will be held on January 18 at the T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas. It was there that McGregor should return to the cage, which he himself announced at a press conference in Moscow.

Due to the tensions between the Irish and the Russian, and also because of the reluctance of the ex-champion in the two weight categories to act as the opening act for Habib, the fight between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson is unlikely to take place as part of this event.

McGregor Rematch Conditions

Do not exclude the possibility that changes may occur in UFC plans. Firstly, Ferguson has repeatedly clashed with the organization’s leadership and may well not agree to the conditions proposed to him. It is enough to recall how he refused the battle with Max Holloway for the time zone and as a result, Dustin Porrier fought for the title.

Secondly, earlier, Tony had already been injured twice in anticipation of a meeting with Habib, and such a development should not be ruled out. In addition, recently the American was worried about mental problems, which may well become the reason for his refusal to speak.

Therefore, other candidates for the championship title should stay in shape throughout the first quarter of 2020 and be ready to replace Ferguson. According to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, this is precisely MacGregor’s only chance to get a rematch with his son.

“Theoretically, a battle could take place. If two athletes who have the right to fight with Habib refuse to come to Russia. This is one of the options. Remained shows, games, statements, clowning. But he did not defeat anyone for three years. Everything speaks and speaks. People need fights. Previously, he succeeded, but now they destroy him. I think that the first six will no longer feel him as an opponent worthy to fight for the belt, ”REN-TV quotes Nurmagomedov Sr.

Apparently, McGregor is not afraid of the prospect of a battle in Russia. During his visit to Moscow, he repeatedly stated that he was ready to fight Nurmagomedov in the capital. However, do not exclude that the fight can take place in St. Petersburg. So, Habib himself spoke about his desire to speak at the Gazprom Arena and break the UFC attendance record.

But not everyone is interested in the battle with Habib just like McGregor. Former opponent of the Irishman Nate Diaz admitted that now he is not looking for a meeting with Nurmagomedov.

“Once it was interesting, but now it’s like beating a dead dog. Didn't I try to arrange a meeting with him? I was asked with whom I want to fight, I replied that with Habib. They refused me. Then I said that I would fight with Pettis, and then with Masvidal, ”SCMP.com quotes Diaz as saying.

Costa injury and replacement in the face of Romero

Meanwhile, the main contender for the UFC middleweight title was injured and dropped out for a long time. Initially, Paulo Costa was supposed to be the next opponent of the newly made champion Israel Adesanya, but he was seriously injured in training. The Brazilian tore the biceps of the shoulder and now will not soon return to the octagon.

“He will have biceps surgery. He will miss eight months. But now we are working on something else involving Israel, ”White quotes MMAJunkie.

It is noteworthy that his former counterpart Yoel Romero can replace Costa. In August, the athletes met at the UFC 241 tournament and then the Brazilian took over. The battle lasted all the planned three rounds, and the decision of the judges seemed ambiguous to many. So, many fans gave their preference to the 42-year-old Cuban.

Romero instantly reacted to the news of Costa's injury and expressed his willingness to replace him in the title fight with Adesanya. He posted a post on his Instagram page in which he challenged the reigning champion. It is also noteworthy that a few months ago, Israel himself was discussing a possible duel with Yoel in an interview with his coach.

For Adesanya, the upcoming fight will be the first defense of the middleweight title, while for Romero - the fourth attempt to win the honorary title. Previously, he fought twice for the time zone and once for the absolute, but for various reasons he failed. So, he twice lost to Robert Whittaker by a judicial decision, and his success in the battle with Luke Rockhold did not bring him a trophy due to a failed weigh-in.

Retirement of Askren

Speech at the UFC Fight Night tournament in Singapore turned into another fiasco for the ex-champion Bellator and ONE FC. In the main fight of the show, Ben Askren lost to Demian Maya, losing in the second fight in a row. In July, he suffered a crushing defeat from Jorge Masvydalya, being knocked out five seconds after the start of the bout.

These failures broke the athlete. Before joining the UFC, Askren was considered the strongest fighter outside the planet’s largest MMA promotion, and he was compared with Nurmagomedov in terms of the level of struggle. But he could not confirm this and so far has won only one of three fights in the UFC.

In March, he defeated Robbie Lawler, but the result was very controversial. Ben had a strangulation called “Bulldog,” but at the time the battle stopped, his counterpart was conscious. In connection with the emerging unsuccessful series, Askren seriously thought about ending his career in MMA.

“I am definitely considering leaving sports. It would be a lie to say that this is not so. This is a matter of time and effort. I’m much interested in life, I’m a very busy person. There are many things that are interesting and dear to me. I spend about 30 hours a week on things related to mixed martial arts, and this is not necessarily training. Therefore, of course, I repeatedly thought that I could do something else, ”said Askren MMA Fighting.

It is possible that the UFC may be ahead of the curve and dismiss Askren. The promotion management does not stand on ceremony with fighters who are in a series of defeats and willingly part with those who lost in three fights in a row. Thus, in the near future, match makers may appoint Ben another strength test to make sure he is worthy to be among the strongest representatives of MMA.

“Once I was finishing my career. And I returned not for the sake of fame and money, but to try to prove that I am the best in the world. But now everything has changed a bit. I thought that in case of victory over Maya, I could be in one win from the title fight. And now I look at the current situation and think: “Damn it, I'm very far away,” said Askren.