Last Updated : 24th February, 2017 By Alex M

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UFC 209: Khabib Nurmagomedov V Tony Ferguson Preview

Arguably the most intriguing fight on the card, UFC 209 has got a gem in Khabib Nurmagomedov, 24-0, and Tony Ferguson, 23-3. This fight brings two fighters into the octagon who are both vying to get a shot at Conor McGregor and UFC president Dana White has already insisted that the winner will get just that. With a shot at the UFC lightweight title up for grabs, but, more importantly for the fighters, a big money payday against McGregor, the stakes a high indeed.

Odds of 5/8 are available with Ladbrokes for the fight to go over 4.5 rounds (£50 free bet)

A Russian machine

Depending on who you talk to, Khabib Nurmagomedov is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the UFC today. That's not official, but he continues to diligently work his way up the ranks and has a pristine record to date. There can be little debate, however, about his wrestling prowess and the Russian has tied plenty of his opponents up in knots since competing in the UFC octagon. His latest victim was Michael Johnson at UFC 205, and he immediately called out McGregor following the win. Many believe he would be a stylistic nightmare for the gregarious Irishman, but Tony Ferguson has some dynamic finishing skills of his own and will offer an insight into whether Khabib could hang with the champ.

Get odds of 6/5 with Bet365 for a Khabib Nurmagomedov win

Can the run go on?

33-year-old Ferguson is currently on a nine-fight winning run and his last two victories over Lando Vannata and former champion Rafael dos Anjos respectively have really catapulted him to the front of the queue. Ironically, Ferguson's last defeat was to the man Khabib recently beat, Michael Johnson, all the way back in 2012. Still, Ferguson has gone on a tremendous run since and five of his nine victories have come via the use of a choke. His submission game is a strong suit of his and when his Russian foe is trying to wrestle Ferguson on the mat, he may encounter some problems - Ferguson is a slot slicker in the grapple than most of the other competitors in the UFC. But can he put away the dangerous Nurmagomedov, that's where the questions lie, and this fight looks destined to go the distance.

Current odds for Tony Ferguson to win are 13/8 with Bet365

FREEbets.org.uk Prediction

Although both men have the tools to finish the other one, both fighters are also very good grapplers and have extremely high IQ inside the octagon. Neither makes too many mistakes either, so it looks like one thing we can guarantee is that the fight will go the distance. It's one of those battles that truly could go either way and you wouldn't be surprised, but we will stick our neck out and say Nurmagomedov will get the victory via decision.

Best odds for Khabib Nurmagomedov to win via decision are 6/4 with Betvictor (£60 free bet)