Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager issues fighting words at the-one-that-got-away rival Tony Ferguson in provocative tweet about GFL

Tony Ferguson's enduring rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov continued to unfold as the UFC Hall of Famer's manager recently dropped a cutting remark about 'El Cucuy' through a social media post linked to the Global Fight League (GFL).

On Wednesday, Ali Abdelaziz took to X to mock Ferguson, who is enduring an unprecedented eight-fight losing streak in the UFC. In a biting challenge, Abdelaziz suggested that the former UFC interim lightweight champion join the GFL and face his former adversary, Kevin Lee:

"Tony Ferguson, I would love to see Kevin Lee smash your face in Global Fight League."

Check out Ali Abdelaziz's post below:

However, this isn’t the first time Abdelaziz has taunted 'El Cucuy' with a GFL-related post. Earlier this month, the Dominance MMA founder slyly proposed that the 40-year-old Californian step into the cage with Khabib’s cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov, in the newly launched MMA promotion.

Ferguson and Nurmagomedov came tantalizingly close to what could have been a legendary clash several times between 2015 and 2020, only for fate to intervene each time. Their rivalry, marked by an incredible five canceled bouts, became one of the sport's greatest "what-ifs."

The closest they came to facing off was at UFC 249 in April 2020, a fight that ultimately never materialized. The bout was called off after 'The Eagle' attributed his inability to travel from Russia to the United States to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

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When Tony Ferguson spoke about the ripple effect of Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement

Khabib Nurmagomedov shocked the combat sports world with his unexpected retirement after securing a second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October 2020, permanently ending any possibility of the long-awaited showdown with Tony Ferguson.

During his appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani in October 2023, 'El Cucuy' admitted that he continued to compete, holding on to the hope that Nurmagomedov would come out of retirement. Ferguson reflected on his rival’s unexpected retirement and shared the significant effect it had on him:

"Once Khabib retired, that kind of went poof... the energy levels, everything I'd been training for that f**king dude. I know when Khabib left... a little part of me left with that. It kind of sucked a little bit because we've always had that - I don't want to say negative energy, but that hype that was built around [the fight]. And when that disappeared [in the pandemic]... there was nothing else left for me."

Check out Tony Ferguson's comments below (3:41:50):