Ali Abdelaziz offers Islam Makhachev fight to Tony Ferguson for UFC 254
Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, offered his client to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 254. The former interim Lightweight champion wanted to fight Dustin Poirier but the Lafayette fighter looks set to fight Conor McGregor.
The former fighter took to Twitter to offer the fight to Tony Ferguson:
What’s up Tony ? The closest thing to Khabib Nurmagomedov is Islam Makhachev. Now Rafael dos Anjos is out, would you like to take this fight? Thank you sir, Tony Ferguson.
Rafael dos Anjos was booked to fight Islam at UFC 254, but the 35-year-old had to pull out after he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The former Lightweight champion took to Twitter to express his disappointment:
I came to rescue my dream of becoming a champion again, and that goal was achieved. Sharing my experiences with the Nova Uniao Team and learning many details to improve my game and close the gaps in the future, none of this was in vain. Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete on the 24th. Covid19 caught me big time and the doctors cut me out. But soon I will be back victorious inside the octagon!
Tony Ferguson offered Islam Makhachev a fight for UFC 254
Tony Ferguson, the Number 3 ranked Lightweight contender, lost his title shot to Justin Gaethje after he got knocked out in the 5th Round, back in May. Ferguson's fight with Gaethje was booked after a fight between 'El Cucuy' and Khabib fell out for the 5th time.
Ferguson, who is evidently frustrated by the inactivity, reprimanded Poirier for accepting the fight against Conor McGregor:
What a sell-out, taking A Bribe from an international terrorist. Good job Kid. I represent America. All that talk about the fight game only to be afraid & be left behind out of the Loop. Take the Money & be proud fake.
Islam has also called out former Bellator champion Michael Chandler and Lightweight contender Dan Hooker after the fight Rafael dos Anjos fight fell out. Chandler, who has been asked to be a stand-by for the UFC 254 main event might be the only one poised to take the fight.