In a new series, I look at fights that never took place in combat sports. To start I will look at a fight that will forever haunt MMA fans. Khabib Nurmagomedov is someone who haunted the lightweight division for years. The Russian destroyed and dominated anyone who stood in his way. It seemed as if no one could match what The Eagle had to offer. However, there was one man who looked as if he had the style to beat Khabib. El Cucuy Tony Ferguson.
Ferguson went on a twelve-fight win streak beating the likes of Edson Barboza, Rafael Dos Anjos and Donal Cerrone.
The fight between the lightweights was made four times and cancelled four times.
I’m going to look at how a fight between the two could have gone focusing on the two aspects of MMA: striking and wrestling. As well as giving my prediction.
Striking
It is clear to most that Ferguson is the superior striker. Whilst El Cucuy does get hit a lot his boxing is crisp and effective. Ferguson’s elbows were deadly whether it be from the bottom or when he was standing. The American’s use of Wing Chun was there to see whenever he would fight in the pocket.
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Tony Ferguson had a six-inch reach advantage over Khabib which meant he could use his jab to keep The Eagle at bay. Khabib had a habit of charging in with his chin in the air. This is where Ferguson could have used his long arms to set his vintage elbows when Khabib came forward.
When it comes to the Russian, Nurmagomedov’s striking was used to set up his wrestling. Occasionally Khabib would use his striking for large periods in the octagon, but we all know what his goal is. The Russian’s jab is something that would have been effective against Ferguson. El Cucuy doesn’t have the greatest head movement and most of Khabib’s shots are straight punches.
The straight punches get to the target quicker and would have been effective against Ferguson. Khabib often used the flying knee to close the distance so he could shoot for a takedown. With someone with the footwork of Ferguson, this would have been ineffective.
However, Tony rarely ever moved his head and facing Khabib he would have been focused on his wrestling. Against Conor McGregor, the Russian landed an overhand right that knocked the Irishman down. This came because McGregor was expecting the takedown. Khabib could set this up the same, especially with how frequently Ferguson gets hit.
There could be a scenario where Khabib dips his hips to make El Cucuy think he’s going for a takedown and come up with a right hand.
Wrestling
Tony Ferguson’s offensive wrestling is underrated and one of his strengths. Mix this with his black belt in BJJ and you have a dangerous combo. Against Khabib Tony would have been prepared to wrestle and would have been on his back for a lot of the fight. The American’s takedown defence was often his countering with his Jiu-Jitsu.
If a wrestler shoots on Ferguson, he would often trap the neck and attempt a guillotine or a D’arce choke. Against Khabib I believe this would have been Ferguson’s strategy. Instead of fighting the takedown against a Sambo champion, there would have been an acceptance that you are going to get taken down. However, what do you do once you are down?
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For Khabib the strategy to get Ferguson down wouldn’t be that complicated. El Cucuy often throws wild strikes where he leaves himself open to be taken down. Ferguson’s takedown defence is solid but is nothing extraordinary. Khabib’s best chance at landing the takedown is catching Ferguson in the middle of an exchange. Of course, he can shoot in the open and force the American to the cage but there is a risk of Ferguson attempting a submission.
The safe strategy for Nurmagomedov would be to counter-wrestle and wait for his opponent to make a mistake. Once Khabib gets the takedown there would be little doubt that he would be able to control Tony Ferguson. The American is deadly when a wrestler leaves his head exposed. However, Khabib is a master at controlling his opponents especially when it comes to controlling his opponent’s legs. When the Russian has you in his grasp there is little you can do including pulling off submissions.
Prediction
On the feet, Tony Ferguson has the advantage but so does everyone against Khabib. The American fighter has so many tools such as elbows and has a long reach which could cause Khabib problems. However, if these last few fights have proven anything it’s that eventually performances catch up with you.
In his fights, Ferguson made a lot of sloppy mistakes and got punished for them. I see Tony Ferguson overreaching and Khabib landing a huge right hand that puts his opponent down. This would then lead to Khabib taking El Cucuy’s back and securing the rear naked choke.
We all wish we could have seen this epic battle but I believe the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov would have got the victory.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Source : The Fight That Never Happened: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson
