Khabib Nurmagomedov punching Michael Johnson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Now that Conor McGregor is planning to take a break, Khabib Nurmagomedov is calling for a fight with Tony Ferguson, and he believes it would be a tougher challenge than facing the champion.

After Nurmagomedov submitted Michael Johnson at UFC 205, the Russian fighter said he wouldn’t accept any other bout, than one with the new 155 champ McGregor. But, the latter isn’t expected to fight again until next May or June, since McGregor is expecting his first child.

Recently Nurmagomedov spoke with RT Sports, and the feared grappler made it clear  he wants to fight Ferguson in the interim  (quote via MMA Fighting.com):

“I feel very bad about this because before this year I have two years rest because I have injured all the time. Now I don’t want [to be] waiting for this guy. If Conor don’t want fight before May/June, I want to take other fight. I want to fight for the interim belt with Tony Ferguson.

“Tony Ferguson is tough guy, tough opponent. Nine-win streak. Why not? I think this is real high level lightweight fight. Not Conor versus me I think this is real high level fight.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, is coming off an impressive decision win over Rafael dos Anjos earlier this month.