"We wanted Khabib and Tony" - Fans react as UFC lightweight elite is reportedly set to join Tony Ferguson on infamous Russian MMA reality show
The once great Tony Ferguson will host Hype Fighting's reality show this summer. However, he won't be doing so by himself, as he will be joined by top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, in a bizarre twist of fate that quickly drew fan attention on social media.
A tweet from Home of Fight shared the news, which was first broken by Red Corner MMA. It marks yet another Russian MMA entity enlisting the services of more well-renowned names from the UFC, both former and present, as Ferguson has long since departed the promotion.
Tsarukyan himself is no stranger to taking part in Russian MMA shows, having even grappled the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev on one. Meanwhile, Ferguson has fallen into obscurity following his exit from the UFC on a historic losing streak. He signed with the GFL, but the promotion is yet to host an event.
Although Tsarukyan is a respectable name, he has no history with Ferguson, who is more closely tied to the great Khabib Nurmagomedov. In fact, one fan expressed their desire to see a pairing of Ferguson and Nurmagomedov as co-hosts of the Russian MMA reality show.
"We wanted Khabib and Tony"
Others, though, poked fun at Tsarukyan for not fighting since his withdrawal from UFC 311.
"Arman doing anything but fight in the UFC"
This was echoed by another fan.
"Arman doing all these side quests to make up for pulling out"
Some, however, wondered about a hypothetical bout between a prime Ferguson and Tsarukyan as he is now.
"Prime Tony vs Arman would be interesting"
Check out a collage of fan reactions below:
Russian MMA shows are known for coaxing high-profile UFC fighters into hosting and coaching roles, and that doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov had a storied rivalry
The rivalry between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov was largely competitive, as both men's rise in the UFC lightweight division coincided. They both authored among the division's longest-ever win streaks, but every attempt to book a matchup between the pair ended in failure.
They were first booked for 'The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale,' but Nurmagomedov withdrew due to injury. Then, at UFC 196, it was Ferguson who pulled out, citing a lung issue. Later, at UFC 209, Nurmagomedov withdrew over weight cut-related issues, before Ferguson tore his own knee ahead of UFC 216.
The final instance was UFC 269, which was canceled due to Nurmagomedov being unable to leave his native Russia as the COVID-19 pandemic had imposed travel restrictions.