Tony Ferguson is looking at UFC 249 to make another title defence to his resume, not claim a second interim belt.
Ferguson is adamant that Saturday’s main event with Justin Gaethje determines the top player in the UFC lightweight division.
“(Expletive) Khabib,” Ferguson told reporters on UFC 249 conference call. “I’m defending my belt for the third time. This is for the real belt, this is not for an interim title. This is for the real championship (expletive). It’s champ (expletive) only, buddy.”
“The interim belt means for me that you’ll be recognized as the No. 2 man in the world,” Gaethje said. “Khabib can’t fight right now, so these are the two baddest man in the weight class fighting this weekend for the right to call themselves the best then ultimately challenge Khabib. I think we’re fighting for the opportunity to represent America against Khabib. That’s what I’m fighting for.”
UFC 249 takes place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.