5 fighters who could end 2018 with a UFC title and 5 who won't

Won’t end 2018 with a title: Tony Ferguson

UFC 181 - Ferguson v Trujillo — Tony Ferguson might find it hard going if he faces Khabib Nurmagomedov

So why can’t he end 2018 with a title intact? After all, he’s got incredible skills in all areas. The reason is simple – he’s likely to come up against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Current rumours have the fight scheduled for April’s UFC 223, and if that’s the case then El Cucuy may find himself derailed before he even has a chance to step into the cage with McGregor. Dagestani juggernaut Nurmagomedov is simply a horrible match for him.

Ferguson has been on a tremendous run since 2013, but his lone weakness has always appeared to be his takedown defence and a willingness to stay on the bottom and hunt for submissions. He almost lost to Lee this way and was almost defeated by Danny Castillo, too.

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This must be music to Khabib’s ears – he’s the best wrestler and the best at top control and ground-and-pound in the division – and I just can’t see Ferguson keeping his title against ‘The Eagle’.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by anirudh.b