in

Morning Report: Tony Ferguson, Al Iaquinta engage in heated social media beef

This week, Tony Ferguson took to Twitter to mock Khabib Nurmagomedov’s title winning performance at UFC 223 and lament being stripped of his own interim title. In the process of doing so though, he also mocked the fighter Nurmagomedov beat, Al Iaquinta, and “Ragin’ Al” did not take to kindly to being called a “part-time fighter.” Iaquinta fired back at the “weirdo.”

Ferguson was supposed to face Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 for the undisputed lightweight title but was forced to withdraw from the fight just days beforehand with a knee injury, incurred when he fell during a media event. Max Holloway stepped in for Ferguson but was then also ruled ineligible to fight when he struggled with his weight cut, leaving Iaquinta to get a title shot on a day’s notice. Though Iaquinta earned praise for his performance, he was soundly defeated by Nurmagomedov and Ferguson returned fire after the “weirdo” comment alluding to that fact, sparking a heated Twitter feud between the two.

Ferguson is expected to be out of competition for 6-to-9 months while he recovers from recent knee surgery to fix the injury. In the meantime though, the lightweight division moves forward and with multiple fighters knocking on the door for a title shot, Ferguson himself may be shunted to the end of the line of title contenders, depending on how everything shakes out. If he does though, at least Ferguson found an appropriate dance partner for when he does return.


Get ‘em. Leslie Smith plans legal action against UFC after having contract bought out in wake of union efforts.

Appeal. Merab Dvalishvili to appeal controversial Ricky Simon loss, expects UFC rematch.

Nutrition. Kevin Lee explains his botched weight cut, plans to hire nutritionist for next fight.

Stoic. Fedor Emelianenko not worried about Chael Sonnen talk, Frank Mir’s size.


The MMA After Hour.

The hero we need.

TJ is confident.

Volkan on the Shogun fight.

TTTHS.


The MMA Circus. Recapping UFC Atlantic City and the Leslie Smith saga.

Obviously Fight Talk. Recapping UFC Atlantic City plus Elias Theodorou interview.


You mad bro?

Jedi Mind Tricks.

Truly terrible.

Hope he’s getting his shot.

Literally this could not be more generic.

Tempurpedic.

Off brand Conor.

Champ life.

What a guy.

Sage gonna be a middleweight soon.

Friends.


Gerald Harris (25-5) vs. Rafael Lovato Jr. (7-0); Bellator 198, April 28.

Glover Teixeira (27-6) vs. Ilir Latifi (14-5, 1 NC); UFC Hamburg, July 22.

Marc Diakiese (12-2) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (8-2); UFC Hamburg, July 22.


2003: At UFC 42, Matt Hughes defeated Sean Sherk by unanimous decision to retain his welterweight title. This event also saw the UFC debut of future middleweight champion Rich Franklin, who stopped Evan Tanner with punches in the first round.

2004: Pride FC kicked off its 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix with Pride: Total Elimination 2004. Most notable from this event was Fedor Emelianenko submitting Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman knocking out Mirko Cro Cop.

2015: Demetrious Johnson authored the latest finish in UFC history when he submitted Kyoji Horiguchi at 4:59 of the fifth UFC 186, retaining his flyweight title.


Have a good one and see y’all tomorrow.


Poll

Who wins in a fight?

  • 0%
    El Cucuy

    (0 votes)

  • 0%
    Ragin Al

    (0 votes)

0 votes total Vote Now


If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.

This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts

What do you think?

Cascão, Negromonte e Trans faturam cinturões na abertura do Abu Dhabi World Pro 2018

Neiman Gracie is Fighting Beyond His Famous Family’s Name