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The #1 UFC ranked lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to take on #2 ranked Tony Ferguson in an interim UFC lightweight title fight at UFC 209.
On Friday, Nurmagomedov was part of a Q&A session at the National Restaurant in New York City where the undefeated UFC lightweight fielded questions from those in attendance.
With Conor McGregor holding the undisputed lightweight title, the Russian fighter said that he feels “The Notorious” will never defend his title and that his interim title fight against Ferguson is the real title fight. Nurmagomedov added that the UFC made McGregor the popular star he is today with all their marketing efforts, and now will have to do the same for him when he becomes the UFC lightweight champion.
“I don’t give a shit about Conor,” said Nurmagomedov. “I think only about the belt.”
Regarding future opponents after he gets passed his fight with Ferguson and potential match with McGregor, the #1 lightweight contender said that bouts with Jorge Masvidal and Donald Cerrone would be to his liking, if the two decide to fight at lightweight again in the future. Nate Diaz’s name came up and was quickly shot down as Nurmagomedov brought up Diaz’s record of losses in the UFC and said he only beat the “chicken,” Conor McGregor.
In reference to a bout with current UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, “The Eagle” says he does not care much for the fight against the champ of the weight division below him, calling the matchup an “easy fight” for him. “Of course I can take this fight and smash this guy,” Nurmagomedov said.
With the potential unification bout against Conor McGregor, “The Eagle” was asked what his thoughts were of fighting on McGregor’s territory in Ireland. Nurmagomedov was more than open to the idea. “Let’s go,” said Nurmagodemov. “Make not only him humble but all of Ireland.”
Do you see Khabib Nurmagomedov getting his hand raised over Tony Ferguson and then taking on Conor McGregor for the undisputed UFC lightweight title? Sound off in the comment section!
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/10/2017.