Khabib Nurmagomedov was in attendance to corner Umar Nurmagomedov earlier today (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) at UFC Abu Dhabi LIVE on ABC and ESPN+ from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but he also paid respect to Tony Ferguson following “El Cucuy’s” half-retirement speech.
Ferguson, who came into Saturday riding a seven-fight losing streak, was matched up against fellow veteran Michael Chiesa on the main card. Once again, Ferguson looked competent inside of the cage, but the outcome was another defeat. Chiesa eventually took Ferguson’s back and secured a first-round submission (watch HERE). It was a record-setting eighth straight UFC loss for “El Cucuy.”
As expected, Ferguson discussed his potential retirement during his post-fight speech with Daniel Cormier. While Ferguson only put one glove on the Octagon canvas it seemed like the official end to his storied UFC career. Check it out below:
It’s not a goodbye, but it’s a see ya later.. @TonyFergusonXT is leaving only ONE glove in the Octagon tonight. The other will go home with him after #UFCAbuDhabi #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/YCRjeXqMfv
— UFC (@ufc) August 3, 2024
Nurmagomedov, who retired from MMA back in early 2021, has a bit of history with Ferguson. The two fighters were scheduled to fight a whopping five times, but something always happened to prevent the matchup from taking place. It’s one of the biggest “what ifs” in UFC lightweight history.
Despite their tumultuous past, Nurmagomedov offered some praise for Ferguson after seeing “El Cucuy” announce his retirement on Saturday. Check it out below:
?: “It’s not a surprise for me, I want to wish him all of the best!”
Khabib Nurmagomedov reacts to THAT Tony Ferguson interview at #UFCAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/AmYj06zvnS
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 3, 2024
“It’s not a surprise for me because he’s 40 years old. I just want to wish him all of the best!
“He’s truly one of the best to ever do it in UFC. I just want to wish him all the best. His life is just beginning.”
For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.