Khabib Nurmagomedov gives unexpected support to rival Tony Ferguson

Despite the tense, bitter rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson, the former has offered his future opponent support in regards to tough, personal problems. 

It’s safe to say that UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov and former interim champ Tony Ferguson aren’t friends. The two have been scheduled to fight four times previously, but each meeting of lightweight elite has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite the tense rivalry they share, Nurmagomedov recently spoke out in support of Ferguson – Who has openly struggled with mental health issues. At a Dominance MMA media event, the UFC lightweight champion spoke out on the matter.

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“Nothing personal here, I don’t want to talk about his problems – family stuff, mental stuff. This is his problem,” Nurmagomedov told reporters on site, via MMA Junkie. “I don’t want to talk about his problems. Everybody has problems. Nobody is safe. If he need help we have to help him, but we’re going to fight next month. I don’t want to think about my opponent and talk about his mental health.”

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson will lock horns at UFC 249, April 18th. As of now it’s the most anticipated MMA fight of 2020, as it truly represents a meeting of the two best lightweights in the world. While Nurmagomedov has yet to taste defeat in his career, many see Ferguson as the fighter best equipped to win over the dominant title holder.

Regardless of the rivalry between Nurmagomedov and Ferguson, it seems there are still some sacred lines that will not be crossed.