From the beginning, Tony Ferguson would have challenged the lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, on the real belt.
But because of the corona pandemic, Nurmagomedov was stuck in his native Russia without the opportunity to defend his belt.
When the UFC was back tonight after a two-month break, Ferguson was pitted against compatriot Justin Gaethje. Two cowards who have become audience favorites for their aggressive and entertaining styles.
The night's title match for the interim belt in the weight class probably did not disappoint the fans.
Gaethje was more technical than usual and surprised by punching Ferguson with heavy punches over and over. The advance favorite, who had twelve straight wins over a period of eight years, took more and more punches and limped around the ring. In the fifth and final round, the referee had seen enough and broke the match.
- I had to lose a couple of games to develop. It is not possible to fix something that is not broken. I got hit too much and had a little too much fun out there. You can't afford that at this level, Gaethje says afterwards.
However, he dismissed his new master belt and refused to wear it during the victory interview.
- I'm waiting for the real one instead.
Gaethje threw the belt on the ground and explained that he now wants to meet Khabib Nurmagomedov.
- Khabib is the best in the world and I have been working for such a chance since I was four years old. He is unbeaten after 28 games and that is exactly the challenge I want, says the American.
Nurmagomedov tweeted to Gaethje right after the end of the match: “It was very impressive, I congratulate. A very smart fool ”.
In addition to a meeting with the Russian champion, Irish superstar Conor McGregor, the MMA world's biggest poster name, has been mentioned as a possible opponent for Gaethje. McGregor is also chasing a match against Nurmagomedov and has promised to be active this year after a long absence from the sport.