Many fans are awaiting the official announcement of Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov’s next fight in the UFC as the #1 ranked UFC lightweight is so close to getting a shot to fight for the title.

Fans were excited to hear some news from UFC President Dana White, who recently stated on FOX 5 that Nurmagomedov could be Conor McGregor’s next fight as the UFC recently met with Russian officials with plans to put on a UFC event in Nurmagomedov’s home country.

Prior to White’s announcement, the matchup that everyone was expecting for Nurmagomedov was against #2 UFC ranked lightweight Tony Ferguson. Both lightweights agreed to fight. However, financial negotiations on Ferguson’s end seem to be the one thing keeping the bout from being official.

“The Eagle” spoke with RT Sport recently about the potential fight with Ferguson and why it is important to him.

“The UFC asked me about this fight — March 4, UFC 209 — and I said yes, I want to fight this, I want to take this fight (transcribed by Jed Meshew of MMA Fighting). I want to fight with Tony and we — everybody, my team — are waiting for his answer.

“I think this is a real high-level fight in the lightweight division right now. Nine-win streak in UFC versus eight-win streak, I think UFC before never made this kind of fight because nine win streak versus eight-win streak, this has never happened before. I think this is a very big fight. Everybody wants to watch this fight and I want to take this fight.”

Nurmagomedov respects Ferguson’s abilities and what he has done in the UFC but says that his mouth is going to get him in trouble when they meet in the Octagon.

“I think he’s a tough fight, good fighter,” said Nurmagomedov. “Little bit talk too much, that’s why I want to break his face. I like this fight.”

What are your thoughts on the matchup between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson? Let us know in the comment section how you see the fight going down and who you expect to take on Conor McGregor next for the UFC lightweight championship belt!