Throwback: What Khabib Nurmagomedov said about Tony Ferguson's alleged mental health issues ahead of their ill-fated fight

The Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson rivalry is regarded as one of the fiercest in MMA history. Their war of words and respective legacies as UFC icons made their feud unforgettable, even though their fight never materialized.

In the 2015-2020 timeframe, the Nurmagomedov-Ferguson fight was scheduled on five separate occasions and fell apart every single time. The fifth and final booking witnessed then-UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov agreeing to face Ferguson at UFC 249 in April 2020.

In March 2019, Tony Ferguson's wife filed for a restraining order against him, claiming that he was dealing with mental health challenges. Speaking to ESPN in June 2019, Ferguson indicated that they'd resolved their differences and that the family was reunited.

In March 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who's managed by Dominance MMA founder Ali Abdelaziz, partook in the management agency's press conference. Nurmagomedov was asked about Ferguson's trash talk and other actions against him at their UFC 249 press conference and about 'El Cucuy's' reported mental health issues.

Seemingly refraining from targeting Ferguson's alleged mental health issues, Nurmagomedov stated:

"Honestly, you know, it's like, nothing personal here. I don't wanna talk about his problem, like family stuff, mental stuff. Like, this is his problem, you know. Leave him alone, you know. I don't wanna talk about him, about his problem, because like, everybody sit here, everybody have problems. You know, it's like, nobody safe, you know."

"If he need help, we have to help him. But we're gonna fight next month. I don't wanna think about him. He's my opponent, you know. And talk about his mental problem, I don't think it's like, good stuff."

Check out Nurmagomedov's comments below:

Watch the press conference below (*Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments about Tony Ferguson's alleged mental health struggles at 17:39-18:32):

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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson: 'The Eagle' praises 'El Cucuy' after semi-retirement

The Nurmagomedov-Ferguson fight was booked to headline UFC 249 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, USA, on April 18, 2020. Unfortunately, Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov was unable to enter the US owing to the COVID-related travel restrictions. Moreover, the date and venue changed due to the pandemic-related travel and business restrictions.

The UFC then booked Justin Gaethje to fight Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 249. Headlined by the Ferguson-Gaethje fight, UFC 249 took place at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, on May 9, 2020.

Gaethje defeated Ferguson via fifth-round TKO and ended his legendary 12-fight win streak. It marked the commencement of Ferguson's current eight-fight losing streak.

Presently, Ferguson is coming off a first-round submission defeat against Michael Chiesa in a welterweight bout at UFC Abu Dhabi (Aug. 3, 2024). During his post-fight octagon interview, 'El Cucuy' laid down one glove, alluding to semi-retirement.

Ferguson suggested that he doesn't want to retire and would like to continue competing in the UFC. Before the event, UFC CEO Dana White indicated that it'd be Ferguson's final UFC fight.

Watch Ferguson's post-fight octagon interview below:

Incidentally, Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, headlined the card, and Khabib was in attendance to support his brother. Speaking to the UFC, 'The Eagle' asserted that he was not surprised by Tony Ferguson's retirement, as the American is 40 years old.

Furthermore, Nurmagomedov explained that Ferguson's MMA retirement would mark the beginning of a new and better life for the latter. Expressing his respect for his old rival, the retired Dagestani fighter said:

"I just want to wish him all the best. He is truly one of the best [to ever compete] in the UFC."

Check out Nurmagomedov's comments below: