Tony Ferguson on UFC 209: ‘My wrestling is far superior’ than Khabib Nurmagomedov’s

Tony Ferguson says his wrestling is ‘far superior’ than his UFC 209 opponent in Khabib Nurmagomedov.

When people talk about distinct advantages on the interim lightweight championship bout at UFC 209, the talking points on the match up normally focus on Tony Ferguson’s striking, and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wrestling.

While that seems like the obvious take, Ferguson says that’s not the case at all.

“I’ve got respect for where he came from, but my wrestling is far superior,” Ferguson claimed during the UFC 209 conference call. “and my style is just completely different than his. My freestyle background — I’m going to run circles around this guy.”

Both lightweights got in an extended and heated argument during the call. While both men threw threats, Ferguson promised to toss Khabib on his head.

“I’m going to throw you, from your head to your toes. I’ll flip you upside down and everyone is going to see it. Nobody will be able to save your ass this time.”

“I’m going to break your spirit,” Ferguson told Khabib. “You didn’t do sh-t. Your padded record ain’t nothing.”

While the 10th Planet brown belt prefers to predominantly throw strikes or cause scrambles from his unorthodox style, Ferguson does have a good wrestling background as a Division II national champion.

Nurmagomedov on the other hand, is a Combat Sambo world champion with a black belt in Judo and an extensive background in wrestling.

Tony Ferguson says his wrestling is ‘far superior’ than his UFC 209 opponent in Khabib Nurmagomedov.

When people talk about distinct advantages on the interim lightweight championship bout at UFC 209, the talking points on the match up normally focus on Tony Ferguson’s striking, and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wrestling.

While that seems like the obvious take, Ferguson says that’s not the case at all.

“I’ve got respect for where he came from, but my wrestling is far superior,” Ferguson claimed during the UFC 209 conference call. “and my style is just completely different than his. My freestyle background — I’m going to run circles around this guy.”

Both lightweights got in an extended and heated argument during the call. While both men threw threats, Ferguson promised to toss Khabib on his head.

“I’m going to throw you, from your head to your toes. I’ll flip you upside down and everyone is going to see it. Nobody will be able to save your ass this time.”

“I’m going to break your spirit,” Ferguson told Khabib. “You didn’t do sh-t. Your padded record ain’t nothing.”

While the 10th Planet brown belt prefers to predominantly throw strikes or cause scrambles from his unorthodox style, Ferguson does have a good wrestling background as a Division II national champion.

Nurmagomedov on the other hand, is a Combat Sambo world champion with a black belt in Judo and an extensive background in wrestling.