Khabib Nurmagomedov Aims For TItle Shot Return In Brazil

UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov has been out of action for some time now due to a rib injury that almost made him retire from MMA. However, he is planning to a make a return to the octagon soon. He also wants to do it in a big way and knows exactly how to do so.

Nurmagomedov explained in a recent interview that he wants to return in March and fight Rafael dos Anjos, who is coming off his first title defense against Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 17, for the lightweight title. Big plans for a talented fighter.

Nurmagomedov will begin training in January, and if he can get a title fight, then he’ll take it. If not, then he’ll wait for the UFC to give him another fight.

“In January, I’ll get back to heavier workouts, back to training wrestling and striking. I want to be ready in March and perhaps try a title fight in Brazil against a Brazilian champion [Rafael dos Anjos],” Khabib told Ag fight (h/t Globo). “Because he wants people to say, he’s the champion, but actually, I’m the one who dominated him. He must defeat me, so people say that he is the true champion.

“But first, I need to be fit.”

The two have fought before, and Nurmagomedov ended up winning the fight. Impressive right?

He beat the current champion in his last fight, which was back in April of 2014 at UFC on FOX 11 by unanimous decision. This fight also marked dos Anjos’ last loss on his pro-MMA record.

Dos Anjos was not medically suspended after his last fight, so a fight with Nurmagomedov in March is very possible.