Khabib Reveals UFC Return Location & Targeted Opponent
The MMA return of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the sport’s most awaited announcements.
”The Eagle’ has been out of action since his dominant submission win over Conor McGregor at last October’s UFC 229. After the fight, he started the infamous post-fight brawl that earned him a nine-month suspension. Due to the ban, Dana White discussed a potential return around September for the undefeated star.
Speaking to Russian media via RT Sport, Khabib was asked if a September return in Abu Dhabi was potentially in the cards. He confirmed it indeed was:
“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.”
Khabib’s Opponent?
A return in Abu Dhabi would be quite the spectacle for the lightweight champion. As for just who he would fight in that return, Khabib speculated on several names. With the top names like McGregor, Ferguson, St-Pierre, and even Mayweather off the table, there was only one obvious choice according to ‘The Eagle’:
“[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.”
Khabib also has a preference between Holloway and Poirier. He believes a title fight with ‘Blessed,’ who would be a two-weight champ if he beats Poirier at UFC 236, is a more interesting match-up:
“Holloway has a 13-fight winning streak, if he beats Poirier it will be 14 wins in a row, which is the longest active winning streak in the UFC. If he wins he will also be a two weight champion. Fans would also be more interested in a Holloway fight.”
