Fight fans desperate to see Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson finally square off in the octagon look set to wait a little longer, after the Russia appeared to put an end to their headline bout at UFC 249 on April 18.
Should that event go ahead and Ferguson still wants to be a part of it – a location is yet to be announced – then who could the lightweight division’s No 1-ranked challenger take on?
We look at three potential contenders…
Justin Gaethje
Would seem the obvious choice, especially since it’s understood the UFC have already approached Ferguson about the bout. Gaethje, a top lightweight contender with a 21-2-0 record, was being touted for a summer joust with Conor McGregor, and so might view taking Ferguson at such short notice as a major risk. It depends what shape he’s in, but Ferguson has had a full camp in preparation for Nurmagomedov.
However, if it went ahead, the fight is certain to be a thriller: Gaethje and Ferguson are two of the most entertaining fighters in the sport. And, for what it’s worth, Dustin Poirier reckons Gaethje would present Ferguson with more problems than Nurmagomedov, tipping Gaethje to prevail.
Dustin Poirier
Speaking of Poirier, the American has been typically active on social media and on Wednesday again threw his hat into the ring to face Ferguson. Poirier has not fought since his defeat to Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi last September, when he seemed poised to cause a huge upset before tapping out in the third round.
Poirier, whose record now stands at 25-6-0, was visibly upset immediately after the fight, but vowed to come stronger. A hip injury delayed his return to the octagon, and the former interim champ looked likely to meet Dan Hooker next month. To his immense credit, Poirier never shirks a challenge. Ferguson, unbeaten in 12 fights stretching back to 2012, would certainly provide that.
Conor McGregor
The controversial Irishman is never far from the fray, with constant speculation about whom he will fight next. McGregor returned from a 15-month hiatus in January to see off Donald Cerrone in all of 40 seconds, and has since called out Nurmagomedov for a rematch. The two met on that infamous fight night in Las Vegas in October 2018, with the Russian the victor.
McGregor (22-4-0) and Ferguson have crossed paths – they once shared the same management – and the fight would undeniably rocket to a must-see event of the year. This week, the former two-weight champion’s coach John Kavanagh teased the match-up, and Ferguson implied on Wednesday that he wants only Nurmagomedov or “McNuggets”. Remains a long shot.
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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Match info
Deccan Gladiators 87-8
Asif Khan 25, Dwayne Bravo 2-16
Maratha Arabians 89-2
Chadwick Walton 51 not out
Arabians won the final by eight wickets
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Andor
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War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
