Full Contact Fighter Database

Home

>

News

>

Article

Media

Tuesday, Oct 17, 2017

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Conor McGregor Should Fight Nate Diaz Next

Khabib Nurmagomedov (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Many fans, fighters and Tony Ferguson himself, are saying the latter should fight Conor McGregor next. But, according to Khabib Nurmagomedov, the lightweight champ should face Nate Diaz in a rubber match.

Since Ferguson won the interim title at UFC 216 earlier this month, by submitting Kevin Lee, there’s been no shortage of discussion as to who McGregor will face in his Octagon return. Nurmagomedov was a guest on the latest “MMA Hour”, and the lightweight contender had this to say, about that very question (quote via MMA Fighting):

“We have almost 12 weeks, 11 weeks before UFC 219,” Nurmagomedov said. “And now is the beginning a very interesting moment in my life. I hope UFC gives me a championship fight. End of the year, I want to take everything back. Attention, belts; I want to take everything. End of the year, I want to fix everything. And we’ll see what happens. But first of all, I think UFC has to make the fight, Conor versus Nate Diaz 3, and after, me and Tony.

“Because, my opinion, I think Tony Ferguson is the real champion. That’s why. I don’t think, if I fight versus Tony Ferguson, this is an interim belt. Officially, yes. But people want to see me versus Tony Ferguson. I think this is a much better fight, for everything. If I beat Tony Ferguson and take the interim championship belt — Conor’s the official champion, but he’s not the people’s champion.”

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to fight Ferguson at UFC 209 in March, but had to withdraw, after incurring medical issues during his weight cut.

posted by FCF Staff @ 10:23 am
Have a comment about this story? Please share with us by filling out the fields below.

Comments are closed.