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Tony Ferguson: “Islam Makhachev is a Better Grappler Than Khabib”
UFC veteran Tony Ferguson has made headlines with his bold take on reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s skills and future. In an interview with Helen Yee, Ferguson shared high praise for Makhachev, stating that he believes Islam is not only a more effective grappler than Khabib Nurmagomedov but also poised for success in a potential move to welterweight.
“Makhachev defended four times at 155 — that’s much more, and he made weight,” Ferguson noted. “I think that’s a smart move. When you go up, you’re gonna try to build a legacy — you’re gonna do certain things like that.”
With four successful title defenses under his belt, Makhachev has already cemented himself as one of the most dominant lightweights in recent memory. But Ferguson sees the potential for even more, particularly if Islam decides to test himself at 170 pounds.
“I think Makhachev is a better grappler than Khabib, honestly. I think Islam’s not gonna do so bad at 170.”
Khabib & Islam | UFC
The comparison to Khabib — a former undefeated champion and widely considered one of the best grapplers in MMA history — is significant, especially coming from a fellow elite lightweight. While Ferguson never got to face Khabib due to a series of ill-fated bookings, his perspective carries weight in the division.
As speculation grows about Makhachev’s next challenge, especially amid talks of a potential move up in weight, Ferguson’s comments add fuel to the debate: could Islam become a two-division champion and surpass his mentor’s legacy?
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