Report: UFC Eying Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Michael Johnson For UFC 205
When news broke last night about UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor going after the 155-pound title in the main event of UFC 205 against Eddie Alvarez, many of you may have been wondering what this means for No. 1-ranked Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Well according to UFC President Dana White during his appearance on ESPN’s Sport’s Center, courtesy of MMA Fighting, ‘The Eagle’ is being targeted for the UFC 205 card as well, with an opponent in the form of Michael Johnson in mind.
“Khabib was also supposed to get a title fight at 155 pounds,” White said. “Khabib called and says, ‘Alright, I get it. Conor is getting this fight? Put me on New York, too.’ So, he wants to fight Michael Johnson.”
Nurmagomedov (23-0) is undefeated in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, and his ridiculously dominating grappling style has been the downfall of each and every man who has stepped into the Octagon with him.
His last bout saw him emerge victorious yet again against UFC newcomer Darrell Horcher in their bout at UFC on FOX 19 this past April, where the Russian phenom put Horcher away with some nasty ground-and-pound in the second round.
Johnson (17-10) is coming off of a crushing first round knockout win over Dustin Poirier at UFC Fight Night 94, getting his first win in over a year.
”The Menace’ was previously riding a two-fight losing skid in which he was bested by Beneil Dariush in a split decision loss in August of last year, and a unanimous decision loss to ‘Stockton Strangler’ Nate Diaz in their clash at UFC on FOX 17 in December.
UFC 205 will take place live on pay-per-view (PPV) for the first time from the Madison Square Garden arena, in New York City on November 12, 2016.
