Tony Ferguson responds to redesigned image with Khabib Nurmagomedov: “It’s Chess, Not Checkers Mate”

Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has recently responded to a redesigned image of him and his longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. The original image, taken by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz for Louis Vuitton’s 2022 campaign, featured football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing chess on a LV suitcase.

Unreal Engine artist Feoktist Alekseev recreated the image with Nurmagomedov and Ferguson, which caught the attention of the MMA community. ESPN MMA shared the redesigned image on Instagram, prompting Ferguson to comment, “It’s Chess,.. Not Checkers Mate”- Champ ♟️ -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # ⚔️🕶️”

The post reignited interest in the long-awaited matchup between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov, which has been scheduled and canceled five times between 2015-20. From injuries to weight-cutting issues to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two fighters have never been able to step into the octagon together.

Despite the setbacks, fans continue to hope for a potential showdown between ‘El Cucuy’ and ‘The Eagle’. The redesigned image serves as a reminder of the rivalry and anticipation surrounding a potential fight between the two UFC stars.

As the MMA world eagerly awaits any news of a possible matchup, the redesigned image of Ferguson and Nurmagomedov playing chess serves as a symbolic representation of the strategic battle that could unfold if the two fighters ever meet in the cage.