Retired MMA fighter Ben Askren is excited for the “fascinating” upcoming fight between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most dominant fighters the sport has ever seen. He has been able to utilise his high-level grappling ability to break down his opponents, currently holding an undefeated record of 28-0.
Many fans are wondering whether Nurmagomedov will be able to apply his usual grappling dominance in his upcoming fight against Tony Ferguson. Ferguson has a good wrestling background and has showed himself to be one of the most dangerous fighters on the ground. His relentless ground attacks have helped him to secure multiple victories inside the Octagon, over the likes of Mike Rio, Abel Trujillo, Gleison Tibau, Edson Barboza, Lando Vannata and Kevin Lee. Ferguson holds a black belt in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu under Eddie Bravo, which he credits as being a big part of his overall game.
Ben Askren retired from the sport of MMA following his last loss to Demian Maia at UFC Fight Night 162 in October, 2019. Since his retirement, he has still been keeping a close eye on the sport and this upcoming UFC lightweight title fight has peaked his interest.
Askren can be considered to be one of the most expert grapplers in the sport himself. He is a 2-time NCAA champion and competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, representing the US Wrestling team.
With such accomplishments it is no wonder that a fight, which has the potential to showcase a grappling masterclass, has peaked Askren’s interest. He made a recent appearance on the Submission Radio, giving his take on the upcoming “fascinating fight” between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson:
“I think it’s fascinating, that’s why it’s so exciting,” Askren said. “It’s two guys who are really good at what they do, and if you were to design a fighter to beat the other person, that’s what you would design them to do, and so I think it’s gonna be really, really fascinating.”
“Khabib’s obviously gonna get takedowns, and he’s been so dominant with ground and pound, but at the same time, Tony is so active off his back and he’s good with the elbows and he’s got a lot of tricky stuff,” Askren continued. “I think it’s gonna be totally fascinating, I’m excited to see what happens.”
“Tony’s a great fit, because he’s not gonna stay put on bottom,” Askren added. “Tony can take a lot of damage, which, you know, Khabib will dish it out. Tony doesn’t get tired. and then Tony’s a high volume striker, he’s not a power puncher, which I don’t think is the right mix to beat Khabib, because I think you have to kind of fight him hard, stuff a few takedowns and volume strike him, and I think that’s how you’re gonna beat him, and that’s what Tony does. So, there’s a possibility.”
The pair were scheduled to fight in the main event at UFC 249 on April 18 in Brooklyn, New York. The event had to be cancelled as the State of New York recently imposed a ban on all large gatherings due to the growing concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
UFC president Dana White has assured the fans multiple times that the event will still go ahead on April 18 at a new location, possibly “outside of the United States”.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov recently stated that he believes UFC 249 will be relocated to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov recently said himself that Dana White will reveal a location to them “in the next couple of days”.
This article first appeared on CLOSEDGUARDMEDIA.com on 21st March, 2020.
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