5th Times a Charm, El Cucuy vs Khabib at MSG Preview/Odds

FINALLY (hopefully) get the Tony Ferguson Khabib fight (5th times a charm right?) going down at MSG on April 18th.

Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib (MSG April 18th)

Has there been anymore anticipated fight in the history of the UFC? The fact that fans were BEGGING for this fight for a 5th (that's right FIFTH) time speaks volumes. This has been the most cursed fight in UFC History. From each fighter facing injury issues in camp, to Khabib almost dying from a weight cut (eating tiramisu days prior), and Tony tripping over a wire on fight week and shredding his knee. But fuck it, none of that matter now, we finally have the fight everyone has been waiting for. The undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) vs. the longest UFC win streak (12) in Tony "El Cucuy" Ferguson (25-3).

No surprise here Khabib is the favorite, however, the line is really surprising. Listen, yes Khabib wrestled bears as a kid, we've all seen the video we get it. I had to sit there hat over face as he rag-dolled Conor for 3 of 4 rounds in their fight last October. But he has never faced anyone like Tony. They don't call him El Cucuy (the Mexican Boogeyman) for nothing. The stories of this guys training are that of legends. The pure creativity in the stand-up, the insane cardio, the elbows/knees/footwork fluidity, the insane recovery tactics, and, most of all the absolute amazing submission ability off the back. I'm not saying Tony can't be beat, because I truly believe anyone with enough power/accuracy/speed can put him away (*cough* Conor *cough*) as he has shown the tendency to be chinny and leave himself vulnerable. I don't see Khabib having the ability to catch him at all as Tony will not have any fear of this one going to the ground.

Prediction/Bet

I first predict this one finally gets to the Octagon (this fight truly is cursed if it falls through again). I like Tony in this one even as a massive underdog. Khabib will take down Tony that much is obvious. The real question is, how much damage will be done before then. Tony is so creative and slippery he is going to have his way with Khabib in the stand-up. Tony is so good at changing his footwork and getting in and out Khabib will have a tough time getting a hold of him. And when he does, will it be a quality take down? The way Tony can grab limbs, create scrambles, and hunts submissions is exhausting.

Tony by Submission