Khabib Thinks Eddie Alvarez ‘Doesn’t Want To Fight Me’
Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez is riding high after his first round knockout title win over former 155-pound kingpin Rafael dos Anjos, and is calling for an ‘easy money fight’, between the Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz winner at UFC 202, after his three-fight win streak over elite lightweight competition.
Russian 155-pound phenom Khabib Nurmagomedov has other plans for the new Philadelphian champ, however, as the undefeated ‘Eagle’ is calling for his long-awaited shot at lightweight glory after defeating UFC newcomer Darrell Horcher back at UFC on FOX 19 in April after two years away from the Octagon.
Nurmagomedov took to The MMA Hour Monday (July 25, 2016), courtesy of MMA Mania, to claim that he believes the reason Alvarez is calling for the McGregor – Diaz winner is because he and his camp understand ‘The Eagle’ is on a ‘new level’:
“I think he wants to make money and fight with like, McGregor or Nate Diaz. I understand him. He want’s to a little bit enjoy the belt. But, UFC gave him a title shot when he had a 2-1 record in UFC. He lose fight, win, has two-fight win streak and UFC give him (title) fight because he No. 1 ranked.
But, now I am the No. 1 ranked in Lightweight division and now UFC have to give me title fight and he has to take this fight. But, I don’t understand why he don’t want fight with me. But, I think because I can make him tired, I can take him down and I can finish him. He understands this.
He and his coaches understand I am on a different level and he doesn’t want a fight with me. That is 100-percent.”
Do you agree with Nurmagomedov? Does Alvarez truly want what he believes to be a step down in competition, or is he side-stepping the undefeated Russian powerhouse?
