The two main contenders to Conor McGregor's lightweight title have been engaging in a Twitter battle, with the UFC likely to pit the pair against one another in the New Year.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson traded barbs in social media spat, with the number one contender position in the lightweight division up for grabs.
Both fighters have legitimate claims to get the next shot at the Dubliner, but since he is likely to be out of action until the end of next summer, a bout between the pair would allow the true number one contender to emerge.
Ferguson is currently ranked number two in the division and is riding a nine fight win streak which includes victories over Rafael Dos Anjos, Edson Barboza and Josh Thompson.
Nurmagomedov is unbeaten in his 24 professional MMA fights and holds notable wins over Dos Anjos and Michael Johnson.
The pair were due to meet on two previous occasions but injuries caused the bouts to be postponed.
Not 1 Is More Deserving Of An Ass Whoopin' Than The Other • My #SnapDownCity 12 Down 2 To Go... #Road2Gold @TheNotoriousMMA @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/hJDtiI7eP4
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) December 12, 2016
Hello chicken @TonyFergusonXT all this gangster talk but why you no want to sign the contract? It's ok I kill u fast @danawhite @seanshelby
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 12, 2016
I was ready in April main event on fox and you pulled out. https://t.co/Evkj9B1oWQ
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 13, 2016
Next time you see me don't ask me for picture like fan boy. When you ask me for picture you will get slap in your face https://t.co/Evkj9B1oWQ
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) December 13, 2016
Of course, Nate Diaz is waiting patiently in the wings for his rubber match with the champion, but he, like McGregor, will be taking time off. McGregor announced his short hiatus from the sport to focus on the birth of his first child next year.
Imma take 10 months off.. 💯💯💯
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) December 7, 2016
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