UFC 249: 5 reasons why Tony Ferguson will beat Khabib Nurmagomedov

#2 - Ability to fight off his back

Tony Ferguson thrives fighting off his back

In all 12 of Khabib's fights, his opponents have had to defend themselves off their back at least once. Most fighters don't survive for long in this position, as it is almost impossible to stand up from Khabib Nurmagomedov's control.

However, Tony Ferguson can not only survive off his back, he thrives off his back. There are two parts to his success on his back: his elbows, and the constant threat of a D'Arce choke.

Tony Ferguson's elbows are arguably his greatest weapon. Time and time again, Ferguson has been able to elbow his opponents off his back, viciously bloodying them. This can be seen in Ferguson's fight against Anthony Pettis, when he was taken down, but proceeded to elbow him multiple times, which signaled the beginning of the end for Pettis.

On his back, Ferguson is also able to slip his hands underneath his opponent to land his opponent in a D'Arce choke. With three D'Arce choke finishes to his name, the threat of being submitted will surely be looming in Khabib's mind heading into the fight.

Ferguson's uncanny skill on his back will give him a serious advantage over Khabib, whose fighting style is based on pressuring his opponents on their back.