Khabib Nurmagomedov versus Tony Ferguson is the fight every UFC fan wants to see but frustratingly the MMA gods have conspired to once again keep us waiting on a dream bout.
The bad-luck story for this match-up has led to several people labelling it 'cursed', and with the latest attempt to get these two together in the Octagon cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic even those most sceptical of such superstitions may be wondering if it is.
Lightweight champion Khabib was slated to put his belt on the line against Ferguson at UFC 249 in Brooklyn on April 18, only to pull out due to travel restrictions caused by the spread of COVID-19.
MORE: McGregor accuses Nurmagomedov of 'chickening out' of Ferguson fight
Below we have taken a look at each of the times this fight was cancelled.
Staying home in quarantine and reading the reaction of people to the situation around my fight, it turns out that the whole world should be in quarantine, governments of all countries, famous people around the world… https://t.co/ZLwFsdQSDQ
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 1, 2020
OCTOBER 2015: RIB INJURY RULES OUT KHABIB
This story dates back almost five years. In August 2015, UFC booked two of its brightest lightweights to get it on at the finale of the 22nd season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' in December. However, two months before the fight, Khabib – who had worked his way back from two serious knee injuries – suffered a broken rib that left him pondering if he would fight again.
APRIL 2016: FERGUSON SUFFERS LUNG ISSUE
So, take two then. At the start of the following year, Khabib-Ferguson was made part of the UFC on Fox card set for April 16. Just 11 days before that date, it was Ferguson's turn to be struck by injury woe as a lung issue prevented him from getting in the Octagon.
MARCH 2017: KHABIB HOSPITALISED BEFORE UFC 209
Making a third bout between the two was hit by a little snag, namely Ferguson holding out for more money. Eventually, it was made the co-main event of UFC 209 for the interim lightweight title with full champion Conor McGregor on an MMA hiatus to prepare for his boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Just a day prior to the showdown, Khabib was hospitalised due to "weight-management issues". A fuming Dana White accused Khabib's team of going "rogue".
Made an impact from the day he arrived @TonyFergusonXT #UFC249 pic.twitter.com/YVLpFtwf2s
— UFC (@ufc) March 29, 2020
APRIL 2018: SURELY NOT AGAIN?!
For the fourth time, UFC announced Khabib versus Ferguson for the main event of UFC 223. This time surely the fight was going to happen?! Alas, no. Ferguson required surgery on his lateral collateral ligament and once again MMA fans were starved of the fight.
APRIL 2020: CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS GROUND KHABIB
This long tale of woe endured its latest chapter of bad luck thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite protestations the fight would go on, even in the likely absence of fans, it was becoming increasingly unlikely. It came as little surprise when Khabib pulled out, stating he was unable to travel. Ferguson may still have an opponent with Jorge Masvidal, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje having all been suggested as stand-ins … but for now the fight we all want to see remains frustratingly on the backburner.