UFC interim champion Tony Ferguson will enter his UFC 223 main event against undefeated top contender Khabib Nurmagomedov, as the betting underdog. However, just like we learned in last weekend’s Miocic vs. Ngannou, oddsmakers don’t always get it right.
These two top lightweights represent the best the UFC has to offer regarding top tier talent.
Tony Ferguson took a hard road to the title. He won the Ultimate Fighter after being denied access to the TUF house in previous seasons, and is now riding a 10 fight winning streak inside the UFC.
Ferguson has been an absolute wrecking ball in the deep waters of the lightweight division, but so has Khabib Nurmagomedov.
And while Tony is on a 10 fight winning streak, Khabib has never lost, making his streak 25 straight fights.
Ferguson argues though, that Khabib’s record is mostly padded with subpar competition outside the UFC, and that when comparing their opponents, he by far performed better than his Russian counterpart.
Which is why we decided to take a look at their five common opponents, to see who really outperformed who. And guys, it’s not even close.
Both Khabib and Tony fought Michael Johnson, Gleison Tibau, Abel Trujillo, Rafael dos Anjos, and Edson Barboaza, while in the UFC.
Michael Johnson actually defeated Tony Ferguson by decision, while Khabib submitted him in round 3. This is the only edge we can give the Russian fighter in the five opponent comparison.
The other four opponents Ferguson handily beat better, three he finished, and one he put on a dominant five round beating on. Khabib decisioned everyone, finishing none of the other four fighters.
Here’s their common opponent breakdown.
Michael Johnson:.
Ferguson – Unanimous decision loss.
Nurmagomedov – Submission win, round 3.
Gleison Tibau:
Ferguson – Submission win, round 1.
Nurmagomedov – Unanimous decision win
Abel Trujillo:
Ferguson – Submission win, round 2.
Nurmagomedov – Unanimous decision win.
Rafael dos Anjos:
Ferguson – Unanimous decision win, 5 round main event.
Nurmagomedov – Unanimous decision win.
Edson Barboza:
Ferguson – Submission win, round 2.
Nurmagomedov – Unanimous decision win.
Change your mind about Ferguson’s chances? Or does this MMA Math not add up?
