Tony Ferguson accuses Khabib Nurmagomedov's father of protecting his son: 'He saved him from a beating'

T. Ferguson (left) and K. Nurmagomedov (right) were rivals. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tonyfergusonxt

Even many years after Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement, Tony Ferguson continues to wonder how a fight with the Russian would have unfolded. During an open training session for his fight against Salt Papi at Misfits 22, the American told 'JNMEDIAUK' that the Dagestani was protected by his father from a fight with him. For several years, the two were the best lightweights (up to 70,3 kg) in the world.

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According to Ferguson, a duel between the two would bring a series of injuries to Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated in 2020. In addition, he also recalled an episode in which Khabib and other members of the Dagestan Clan recorded videos of homeless people doing push-ups in exchange for alms.

"His dad was the one who saved him from getting beaten up and bloodied and stitched up. He did some stupid things—he went to New York and made homeless people do push-ups and throw money around like strippers, which is ridiculous," he said.

Tony Ferguson claims Khabib's father protected him from a real beating

"His dad was the one that saved him from a real ass whooping and just getting bloody and stitched up. He did some foolish things—he went to New York and made the homeless do pushups and threw money like… pic.twitter.com/mlhJ3oPGrH

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 28, 2025

Khabib and Ferguson have had five fights canceled

K. Nurmagomedov (left) and T. Ferguson (right) face off in 2018. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Khabib and Ferguson were scheduled to fight each other five times, but unfortunately, the bout never materialized. On two occasions, the Russian was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a rib injury and a health issue during weight cutting. The American suffered a lung bleed and tore knee ligaments.

The last attempt to make the fight a reality took place in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic prevented it once again. Ferguson ended up knocked out by Justin gaethje and Nurmagomedov left the octagon after his father died from the coronavirus.