LAS VEGAS – Tony Ferguson expresses his interest in coaching “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series opposite his former UFC rival.
Ferguson, who emerged victorious in Season 13 of “TUF” back in 2011, is keen on taking on the coaching role if it means facing off against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite their five canceled UFC matchups, Ferguson is still eager for the opportunity.
“With ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ it was always going to be against Khabib,” Ferguson revealed during a media event for the debut of ‘TUF 33.’ “That’s the only person I want to coach against.”
The 41-year-old fighter emphasizes that any past animosity with Nurmagomedov has dissipated. While aware of Nurmagomedov’s promise to his late father about not competing again, Ferguson is open to settling their unfinished business through a grappling match.
“I’m the only person his dad said, before he passed away, that this is the fight to make,” Ferguson stated. “Now, regardless if it’s a fight, grappling, or anything, I know that he does keep his dad’s word, and I know that I never talked about his religion, his wife, or anybody else that goes about it. But I know competition wise, we keep it cordial. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to coach against each other at ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’
Despite a series of canceled events, Ferguson remains eager to face Dillon Danis in a lightweight bout under the GFL banner. The former interim UFC lightweight champion is determined to continue fighting despite a record eight consecutive losses dating back to May 2020.
“I think any person who goes against what their inner will says, I say f*ck that,” Ferguson declared. “I think more than anything else, I’m getting more and more deadly. I stopped lifting weights hugely, I’m getting more flexible, my conditioning is getting better because of the fighters that I’m training.”