To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends Classy Message To Tony Ferguson After Loss At UFC 249

Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends Classy Message To Tony Ferguson After Loss At UFC 249

The UFC lightweight champion was set to be Ferguson's original opponent at UFC 249.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Khabib Nurmagomedov has told Tony Ferguson to to keep his head up after losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC 249.

Gaethje emerged as winner on Saturday night via a fifth round stoppage and Ferguson took an insane amount of punishment.

'El Cucuy' was originally set to face Nurmagomedov at the show, but the coronavirus pandemic saw Khabib unable to travel back to the United States.

The 31-year-old showed his class on social media by telling Ferguson: "Whatever happened is in the past. Heads up Tony, I hope everything is good with you and your family. When your son grow up, he'll be proud with you. "

Ferguson absorbed 100 significant strikes to the head over 20 plus minutes as Gaethje ran out shock victor and claimed the interim lightweight championship.

It makes Nurmagomedov's next opponent interesting considering Gaethje now has a claim to facing 'The Eagle'.

It's a huge blow to fans who were hoping to see Ferguson vs Khabib anytime soon, with the fight looking cursed after five cancellations.

Image
PA

Following the fight, Gaethje received the interim belt which he immediately tossed away.

'The Highlight' couldn't care less about the interim-belt as he threw to the ground after Dana White wrapped UFC gold around his waist.

After Gaethje threw the title away, Joe Rogan asked why to which the Arizona native replied: "I'm waiting for the real one!"

He continued with: "I knew I was a killer stepping in here. No better drug on Earth. Adrenaline coursing through my veins.

"I had to lose to change. Can't fix what's not broken. I was getting hit too much, and I was having too much fun. At this level you absolutely cannot do that."

Ferguson, meanwhile, broke his silence on Sunday night tweeting: "'Bushido Code' Brought Sports Back W/ Class # WayOfTheWarrior Win or Lose Always Act Like A Champion Just Wasn't My Night #ufc249 Congrats @Justin_Gaethje On A Good Fight -CSO- @ufc."

Do you think Justin Gaethje will defeat Khabib Nurmagmedov if they face off?

Let us know in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, Tony Ferguson, UFC, MMA

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

X

@DanMarland_