UFC rivals Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson have sparked a vicious war of words on Twitter ahead of a potential 2017 match-up between the pair.
The UFC’s two top lightweight fighters have previously twice been scheduled to fight but each time the proposed clash has been canceled due injury.
However, Russian star Nurmagomedov has called out Ferguson and stated that he wants to take the American on in March 2017.
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Media reports earlier suggested that 'El Cucuy' Ferguson wanted to face Nurmagomedov - nicknamed ‘The Eagle’ in January, but Khabib wished for a longer break between fights.
Ferguson last week claimed he wants to return to action before March and is considering scheduling another fight for January to fill the void before Nurmagomedov is ready.
Makhachkala-born Nurmagomedov has an unblemished 24-0 record, one he improved when he defeated Michael Johnson at UFC 205, and has called Ferguson out on social media, calling him a “chicken”, the same insult he used against lightweight champion Conor McGregor.
Ferguson has also been busy on Twitter, saying that Nurmagomedov and current lightweight champion Conor McGregor are on his hit list.
McGregor is taking a break from UFC action as his partner is expecting the couple’s first baby, with an interim title fight expected between Ferguson and Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov recently told RT Sport that facing Ferguson was his next challenge and could well be the gateway to a match-up with the Irishman.