Khabib Nurmagomedov has come forward to claim that he has no plans to grant Conor McGregor a title shot if he defeats Tony Ferguson for the belt.
UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and top contender Khabib Nurmagomedov are now set to face off for the undisputed lightweight title at UFC 223. In a new interview, “The Eagle” has come forward to offer some details on the somewhat unclear situation concerning UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor’s title.
During the recent UFC 25th Anniversary Series Press Conference, UFC President Dana White announced that Ferguson and Nurmagomedov would be fighting for the undisputed title. However, White seemingly dodged questions concerning the current status of McGregor’s lightweight title.
Speaking to TSN, Khabib Nurmagomedov has now decided to offer some clarity on the situation.
“(Ferguson is) still interim champion, but when we fight, it will count as real belt. This is what will happen,” Nurmagomedov said.
“They stripped (Conor’s) belt at lightweight, they stripped his featherweight belt.” The fighter continued. “(Me and Tony) are going to fight for the real belt and that’s it. I don’t understand why media people keep talking like, ‘did you strip him or no?’. Of course UFC stripped him.”
Nurmagomedov then explained that he believes McGregor will have to work his way back up to a title shot.
“Now, he has to deserve a title shot,” Nurmagomedov said. “My plan, beat Tony Ferguson and then UFC are going to try and put McGregor next in line? No, he has to deserve it. I’m going to tell him ‘hey, get in line.’”
