Khabib Nurmagomedov open to interim title fight with Tony Ferguson

Earlier this month, top ranked lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov delivered a spectacular performance as he picked up a third round submission win over #8 ranked lightweight Michael Johnson in a highly anticipated matchup. The win was not only a finish for Nurmagomedov, but a rather dominant one as he put on a horrendously vicious display of ground and pound throughout the fight, talking trash to both Johnson, and UFC President Dana White in the middle of the fight.

Following the fight, there have been conflicting reports form both Nurmagomedov and his camp regarding his next move. Immediately following the fight, Nurmagomedov offered the UFC an ultimatum, stating that if he wasn’t given a title shot for his next fight, he would be looking to fight for another promotion in the future. That was then followed up by an interview with Khabib’s father, who said that his son would be willing to take another fight in the meantime to cement his place as the #1 contender.

Nurmagomedov’s manager then followed up that report with one in which he stated that if Nurmagomedov doesn’t receive a fight for the belt, he won’t fight. In addition, it was revealed that The Eagle was given an offer to fight in Russia for $5 million.

Now, Khabib himself has spoken to MK.ru to discuss his next move:

“Now I just want to go underground and take a break for a month and a half,” said Khabib. “Not from training and from the media, just the media, I’m tired. And in terms of plans in the UFC, there are two: an interim title fight with Tony Ferguson, or fight for a real belt against Conor McGregor.”

“Of course, I would like the second option (McGregor), but am inclined to think that they want to set me up with Ferguson. Well, I’ll take the fight.”

“This is the key to the door of the room in which Conor is sitting. And I really want to open this door now but there are too many guards.”

Do you think Nurmagomedov will get a title fight with Conor McGregor, or will he have to face top ranked contender Tony Ferguson for the interim championship before he is given a fight with McGregor?