Eddie Bravo outlines Tony Ferguson’s grappling training for UFC 209

This weekend, the UFC will touch down in Las Vegas with UFC 209. While the card is headlined by a welterweight title rematch between champ Tyron Woodley and challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, it seems that the majority of the buzz for the event surrounds the co-main event. This co-main event will see the streaking Tony Ferguson battle the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov for UFC interim lightweight gold.

In advance of this compelling showdown, Ferguson has been working hard in the gym – particularly on his grappling, as that is Nurmagomedov’s bread and butter. Much of Ferguson’s grappling work has occurred under the tutelage of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo.

On the most recent episode of BJ Penn Radio, Bravo discussed his pupil’s incredible efforts in the gym, and discussed how they’ve been preparing for the dangerous Nurmagomedov.

“He’s non-stop man, his work ethic is amazing,” Bravo told host Kinch. “He’s constantly training, he’s constantly doing his cardio, strength and conditioning. He always mixes it up and changes it up. I mean he was in Mexico City against [Rafael Dos Anjos] and he wasn’t tired. He’s a beast.”

“We’ve been preparing for the worst case scenarios,” Bravo continued. “escaping from the back, escaping from side control, escaping from mount. And then taking Khabib into deep waters offensively. Mounting Khabib, taking his back, and just dominating as well. We’re working worst case scenario to deep waters, taking Khabib to deep waters. We’ve done everything we can, and we’re still working. We’re preparing for the worst, hoping for the best.”

Ferguson will enter his UFC 209 interim lightweight title fight with Nurmagomedov on an incredible, nine-fight win-streak. His most recent win occurred in November, when he defeated former champion Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision. Other highlights of Ferguson’s incredible lightweight streak, meanwhile, include victories over Lando Vannata, Edson Barboza, Josh Thomson, Gleison Tibau, Abel Trujillo and Danny Castillo. He’s now 22-3 overall.

Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, will step onto the canvas in Las Vegas with a sparkling, 24-0 record. The Dagestani star’s most recent win also occurred in November, when he defeated the dangerous Michael Johnson with a third-round kimura. Other highlights of Nurmagomedov’s UFC run include triumphs over Rafael Dos Anjos, Pat Healy, Abel Trujillo and Gleison Tibau.

Who do you think wins interim gold in UFC 209’s Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov co-main event? Sound off, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/2/2017.