Khabib Nurmagomedov says when he would like to return; eyes opponent
UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission but that doesn’t mean he isn’t looking at his next fight.
Nurmagomedov is coming off of an impressive submission win over former champ-champ, Conor McGregor at UFC 229. However, following the fight, he jumped out of the Octagon and was part of the post-fight melee.
Since the eighth-month suspension was handed down, Nurmagomedov said he was going to sit out until November. Well, it appears things may have changed as speaking in a recent interview, ‘The Eagle’ is eyeing a September return.
“Yes, we are working on this. UFC told me that they are working on this. I just came back from Dubai. And very soon news is coming. Very soon,” Nurmagomedov said to RT Sport speaking on a potential fight in Abu Dhabi.
Who he will fight is up in the air. The Tony Ferguson fight is always a fight the fans want to see. McGregor could very well get a rematch if the UFC is looking for a big selling pay-per-view. But, most likely it will be the winner of UFC 236’s main event which is for the interim lightweight championship. Fighting for the belt is Dustin Poirier taking on Max Holloway.
“[Holloway and Poirier] are fighting for the interim belt, and the champion has to face the interim champion. Tony Ferguson can’t fight at the moment, (Georges) St-Pierre is retired, McGregor is retired, a boxing match with Mayweather is not happening as we couldn’t come to an agreement with UFC. Holloway and Poirier are great fighters, I will fight the winner of this bout.”
However, that fight cannot happen until Nurmagomedov’s suspension is up. But, all signs point to a September return which the timing should line up with the winner of Holloway vs Poirier.
