Nurmagomedov and Cerrone bitter on Twitter

Fights are increasingly being made over social networks, but the results can occasionally be a dog’s breakfast. Witness the recent exchanges between UFC lightweights Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In began on 5 April, Tony Ferguson announced he was injured and had to pull out of his fight with Nurmagomedov on 16 April in the main event of UFC on FOX 19: Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson in Tampa, Florida.

Several fighters offered to replace Ferguson, including division champion Rafael Dos Anjos, angling for a fight at UFC 200 on July 9, and – duh – Cerrone.

Sorry to hear Ferguson is out. @TeamKhabib We have some unfinished business, I'll be ready in July @danawhite @lorenzofertitta #Jesusfirst

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) April 6, 2016

I Know A Guy. https://t.co/7ZJU4meKo7

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 5, 2016

Nurmagomedov said sure. Sure to RDA, with a dig. Sure to Cowboy. And he added sure to former division champion Anthony Pettis.

Pettis, Cowboy, RDA or somebody, anyone and any weight. 16 April I'm waiting for you guys. @danawhite @lorenzofertitta #InshaAllahVictory

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 6, 2016

@RdosAnjosMMA I believe it was clear to everyone last time. Or "Fake champ" title still torturing you? pic.twitter.com/Xex1N5evba

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 6, 2016

Cerrone appeared to be the favorite. And continued to lobby for the fight.

You already know I said yes?? Just waiting on you? https://t.co/1o2wVqF65C

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 6, 2016

Then Tony Ferguson’s injury was diagnosed as being less severe than initially believed, and it appeared that the fight might simply be delayed.

Offered @TeamKhabib the Title Contender Fight for May 29 #LasVegas… Couple weeks to heal, Get Back to Work. Take the Fight Khabib #ElCucuy

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 6, 2016

In the mean time, Nurmagomedov accepted the fight with Cerrone. But Murmagomedov reported that Cerrone injured his ribs and withdrew. So Nurmagomedov turned his attention back to Pettis.

Wow. I just signed contract to fight Cowboy at 170 3 hours later he hurt his ribs and pulled out. Any other opponent for April 16 #UFCTampa

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 7, 2016

Hey @Showtimepettis where are you? @danawhite @lorenzofertitta @ufc @arielhelwani #ufcTampa

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 7, 2016

Then Cerrone denied – emphatically – that he was injured.

Let's be Very Very Clear I didn't pull out of a mother fucking thing. https://t.co/NV1M2PRaaG

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 7, 2016

There is nothing wrong with me https://t.co/vYOkJmP89W

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 7, 2016

Nurmagomedov and Cerrone then got bitter on Twitter.

@Cowboycerrone just sign the contract I am waiting for you

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 7, 2016

I already did bitch!! https://t.co/Bienw0vhGO

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 7, 2016

It's not my fault you have been hurt for 4 years, ufc don't want you to get your ass whooped at 170! I always fight https://t.co/Bienw0vhGO

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) April 7, 2016

@Cowboycerrone I signed my contract and beat you worse than how RDA just smashed you. Don't be scared. pic.twitter.com/55f6ZpjSij

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 7, 2016

@Cowboycerrone you call me bitch and hiding not signing the contract. Just show me your signature like I showed you Bitch

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 7, 2016

As this was going on, the UFC officially renamed UFC on FOX 19: Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson to UFC on FOX 19: Teixeira vs. Evans, moving Glover Texeira vs. Rashad Evans to the top of the card. There are reports that Nurmagomedov and Ferguson will now fight on May 29 at UFC Fight Night 88. 

And Nurmagomedov vs. Cerrone remains an awesome match up.

And a little more structure needs to be put in place around fighters making fights. It’s entertaining, but a little weird at times, like this one, where two fighters are claiming to have signed a contract for a fight that apparently doesn’t exist.