UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov's interim title fight with Tony Ferguson is still 2 months away and already the undefeated fighter has set his sights for bigger things. Nurmagomedov (24-0) is scheduled to fight Ferguson (22-3) at UFC 209 in Las Vegas on March 4.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, 28, plans to fight Conor McGregor should he defeat Tony Ferguson. If ever Nurmagomedov defeats McGregor and unifies the 155-pound title, he claims he would not give McGregor a rematch.
"After I finish Ferguson, then Conor," Nurmagomedov said. "And after I finish Conor, UFC will maybe want to make rematch. But I say, 'No, calm down. You have to stand in line.'"
Those are pretty strong words coming from an undefeated fighter. But of course, a lot has to happen first before Khabib Nurmagomedov arrives at that scenario.
First, Khabib Nurmagomedov has to hurdle a huge obstacle in Tony Ferguson. Defeating Ferguson is still far from guaranteed. Ferguson has not lost in nine straight fights and dealing Nurmagomedov his first loss in his career plus the chance for a big money fight with Conor McGregor would definitely be added motivation for the 32-year old American.
Even if things go according to Khabib Nurmagomedov's plans, a rematch with Conor McGregor would be hard to resist considering the big money that would be involved. McGregor is the UFC's biggest star and would definitely bring in huge amounts of money especially in a rematch.
But for Khabib Nurmagomedov, money is not his goal when he fights in the UFC. Nurmagomedov said his goals are to fight the best and win the UFC title. That includes defeating Conor McGregor and ultimately becoming the undisputed, undefeated UFC champion.
If ever a fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor pushes thru, it would have to be later this year. Nurmagomedov would miss time during the Muslim observation of Ramadan which runs from May 26 to June 25. McGregor is currently out on a paternity leave, as he and his girlfriend await the birth of their first child.
