Tony Ferguson sends classy message to UFC rival Khabib after his dad wakes up from coma as they put rivalry behind them

UFC superstars Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov have toned down their rivalry after the American sent a classy message to his Russian foe. Khabib‘s dad Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov has been critically ill but recently woke up from his coma much to the relief of the fighting world. “Respect” @TeamKhabib You Still Owe Me 20 Pushups ???? […]

UFC superstars Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov have toned down their rivalry after the American sent a classy message to his Russian foe.

Khabib‘s dad Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov has been critically ill but recently woke up from his coma much to the relief of the fighting world.

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The rivalry between Khabib and Tony Ferguson has cooled after the pair reached out to each other in a classy online exchange[/caption]

Lightweight MMA star Ferguson reached out to his old rival in a move which seems to symbolise the de-escalation of the pair’s heated past but also hinted at a future fight.

Ferguson tweeted: ““Respect” @TeamKhabib You Still Owe Me 20 Pushups. Glad Your Pops Is Doing Better. I’ll See You Soon Kid, Keep Training For The Real Finale. -Champ.”

The combat duo were due to headline UFC 249 back in April but coronavirus put pay to their hopes of finally doing battle in the Octagon.

UFC boss Dana White‘s showpiece was scheduled for April 18 but Covid-19 caused it to be delayed until May.

But Russian fighter Khabib was unable to take part after being stuck in lockdown in his homeland.

It was the fifth time the two had signed a deal to fight in the cage since 2015 but previous injuries and circumstances have wrecked fight fans’ hopes of seeing them get it on.

UFC 249 eventually took place in Miami on May 9 and Ferguson did headline the show but against a different opponent – Justin Gaethje at late notice.

With no crowd and social distancing in place, Ferguson suffered a big upset as unfancied Gaethje blasted the 36-year-old American and won with a fifth-round stoppage.

Khabib made the first move by reaching out to Ferguson after he lost his 12-fight winning streak and tweeted: “Whatever happened is in the past. Heads up Tony, I hope everything is good with you and your family. When your son grow up, he’ll be proud with you.”