Khabib Nurmagomedov
UFC lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov made a successful octagon return on Saturday, Dec. 30, after a lengthy recovery from a debilitating weight cut. “The Eagle” only competed once in 2017, taking on Edson Barboza at the recent UFC 219 event. Earning a dominant decision victory over Baroza, Nurmagomedov is now looking to set up a shot for the title. That being said, the fighter has since decided to turn down UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor in favor of interim champion Tony Ferguson.
Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were initially set to face off for the interim lightweight title at UFC 209. However, the fight was cancelled when Nurmagomedov was rushed to the hospital due to weight management issues. Ferguson would go on to take out Kevin Lee for the interim title later that year.
All the while, UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has been away from the octagon. Having not competed under the UFC banner since 2016, McGregor most recently made his professional boxing debut in the summer of 2017. Now it would appear that Nurmagomedov has decided to set his sights on “El Cucuy,” rather than the reigning champion.
MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz recently took to Twitter to reveal the news.
“To be clear I talked to @TeamKhabib . Our main focus is @TonyFergusonXT he deserves the next a*s whooping. He earned it. And for the former UFC champion @TheNotoriousMMA he can stay on the boxing side. Bye bye @danawhite”
To be clear I talked to @TeamKhabib . Our main focus is @TonyFergusonXT he deserves the next ass whooping. He earned it. And for the former UFC champion @TheNotoriousMMA he can stay on the boxing side. Bye bye ✋?@danawhite
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) January 5, 2018
