Khabib Nurmagomedov is thinking ahead should his initial plans go awry.
Nurmagomedov is eyeing big fights with Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre. McGregor is currently dealing with legal issues, while GSP isn’t too keen on facing “The Eagle” quite yet. That leaves the door open for solid fights, but not necessarily needle movers.
“The Eagle” is the reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title holder. He won the gold back in April against Al Iaquinta. Nurmagomedov was supposed to take on Tony Ferguson and Max Holloway, but both fighters were pulled.
During a recent appearance on Anatomy of a Fighter, Nurmagomedov revealed who he’d like to fight if McGregor and GSP are unavailable (via MMAFighting.com):
“If not Conor, if not GSP, I think Alvarez vs. Poirier, I think the winner deserves a title shot.”
As far as finally trying to make a bout with “El Cucuy” is concerned, Nurmagomedov is willing to throw down with the former interim champion:
“About Tony Ferguson, I don’t know. He just had surgery. If he can, why not? Tony Ferguson is biggest match-up for me. This match what I want, what people want, what fans want but I don’t know about his healthy. If he’s ready, let’s go. Why not? I’m ready for September, I’m ready for October, I’m training all the time. I’m here to defend my title. If the UFC gives me any opponent, I’m ready for this, to beat this guy.”
Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson is a fight many believe to be cursed. The UFC has tried to book the fight several times, but each attempt has been shut down due to injury or illness. It has gotten to the point where UFC president Dana White said he’ll never book the fight again.
Who do you think will be next for Khabib Nurmagomedov?
