So I don't post in the heavies much, mostly in the MMA betting section is where I am. Because I'm putting my $ on these fights, and so are the other guys there. And a lot of us do very well. So I'm going to address the point you are attempting to make. A recent fight that I won $ on is a great example as to why you are ignoring something very important.
The fight was Paul Felder vs Charles Oliveira. If you remember that fight, Oliveira got Felder's back and was close to sinking in the RNC. But Felder fought and gutted it out, and managed to escape a spot where a lot of guys panic or quit. Oliveira is a slick submission fighter with great chokes. Felder eventually escaped and ended up winning by TKO. After the fight, one theme that we talked about in the MMA betting section was: TOUGHNESS MATTERS.
Ferguson has a lot of skills, but to act like his toughness is not an important attribute is dumb. Barboza was broken early vs Khabib. That won't happen with Tony. Part of it is his cardio. Elite cardio allows guys like Tony to weather storms and still be fresh when the next round starts to attack and bring the fight to their opponent. He might have the best cardio in MMA. In Mexico City, where EVERYONE was gassing (even the smaller guys), he INCREASED his output as the fight went on vs RDA and left RDA in the dust.
I'm not saying Tony necessarily beats Khabib. I don't have a crystal ball. And I'm not saying his toughness is the only thing he brings to the table. (I'd hope everyone has seen his skillset if they are posting here). But you also can't act like his toughness isn't a factor. The guy THRIVES on winning wars of attrition. And in a 5 round fight, that matters even more.