Tony Ferguson is apparently holding up a whopper fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov until he gets a satisfactory offer.
‘El Cucuy’ is on a nine-fight winning streak and would like to think he is the natural No.1 contender for a shot at McGregor.
In a normal world that might be the case. But this is not a normal world.
Nurmagomedov is the more intriguing draw while McGregor also has Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz angling for bouts. Featherweights Jose Aldo and Max Holloway are also talking about taking the leap to 155lbs to fight ‘The Notorious’.
Ferguson, it appears, must go through Nurmagomedov to gain enough momentum to compel a McGregor fight. He is not rushing to sign any contracts though.
@Danawhite Must've Paid You Good With Your New Deal! You're Being Fairly Paid, Now It's My Turn. I Want This Fight, But Won't Take Peanuts https://t.co/YhKG0Wq8fo
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) December 20, 2016
While Ferguson holds out for a fairer deal, it is no surprise to see the names Diaz and Aldo thrown out there. Certain power brokers are trying to make Ferguson blink. UFC 209 on March 4 is the carrot. Watching it at home is the stick.
Ali Abdel-Aziz, who manages Nurmagomedov, has offered up his theory on why Ferguson wants as much money, and pay-per-view points, as he can. He told MMA Junkie Radio:
“I hope this thing comes together. They don’t have peace right now. I support Tony Ferguson.”
He added, “If he kills Tony, that’s it. After that, we’re going for the head of the snake, the big cobra, Conor.”
Simply put, Ferguson wants a decent contract just in case he becomes his 25th straight victim.
The fight should get rubber-stamped in the coming days but don’t be surprised to see stories of other Nurmagomedov fights surfacing to put the squeeze on the Michigan native.
