Russian MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov says he’s still looking to fight American Tony Ferguson for the interim UFC lightweight championship, and that he sees that bout as potentially one of the best in the promotion's history.
Nurmagomedov stated last week on Russian TV there was a “90 percent probability” that his next fight will be against Ferguson at UFC 209 on March 4.
He later tweeted that Ferguson, his preferred opponent, hadn’t signed the contract yet.
The Nurmagomedov-Ferguson fight seems logical, as the undefeated Russian currently holds a perfect record of eight UFC wins, while Ferguson has been victorious in his last nine appearances in the octagon.
California native Ferguson has also tweeted about the potential fight, confirming that he agreed to fight Nurmagomedov but there were money issues that were yet to be resolved.
Brazilian featherweight Jose Aldo also got in on the act, after hinting to mmafighting.com that Nurmagomedov had turned down a fight against him.
The fighter nicknamed ‘The Eagle’ dismissively responded on Instagram, saying to Aldo that he doesn't “bully the little.”
While visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 17 to provide a master class to local MMA fans and enthusiasts, Dagestan native Nurmagomedov shared his thoughts with RT Sport about his potential next fight.
“UFC asked me about that fight, March 4, UFC 209. I said ‘yes, I want to take this fight’. I want to fight Tony. And everybody in my team [is] waiting for his answer,” he said.
“I think this is real high level fight in lightweight division right now. I think UFC before never make this high level fight because nine-win streak versus eight-win streak. Inside UFC this has never happened [before].
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“I think this is a very big fight. And everybody wants to watch this fight. And I want [to] take this fight.
“I think [Ferguson] is a tough fight; good fighter too, tough fighter. Little bit talks too much, that’s why I want to break his face. I like this fight,” Nurmagomedov added.
It’s not a secret that Khabib has a huge following in his home country; his public appearances attract masses of fans who scramble to get a picture with their hero.
With some humility, Nurmagomedov admits that his newfound ‘idol’ status is not something he expected, and acknowledges the responsibility that it brings.
“For me it’s a little bit hard because all the time a lot of people with me, and too much attention,” he told RT Sport.
“But I understand when you all the time win, win, win and when you become a big star you have to stay ready, you have to stay humble and all champions have this problem. I am not [the] first, I am not [the] last. That’s why I feel ok about this.”
While he has long been a hometown hero in Dagestan, the two-time Combat Sambo World Cup gold medallist says he now gets recognized by fans everywhere he travels.
“Now - everywhere. Before only Dagestan, but now – California, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Dagestan, everywhere,” Nurmagomedov said.
“That’s why I have to stay a little bit careful when I talk with media, like everything. I have to stay careful little bit [with] what I say, because a lot of people follow me, a lot of people listen to me. And this is a little bit hard situation for me.”