Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t yet have a date or foe for his first UFC lightweight title defense, but signs are pointing toward Conor McGregor being his next dance partner in the Octagon.
“I do not know yet who will be my opponent. The battle is likely to take place in Las Vegas,” Nurmagomedov told Russian outlet Sport24. “I want to fight McGregor, the fans are also waiting for this fight. I hope that Conor wants this fight. He talked a lot, but for some reason, as soon as it came to real negotiations about the fight, he fell silent.”
McGregor’s silence has occurred in part due to legal issues stemming from his attack on a charter bus prior to UFC 223 in April. The Irishman was charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief after throwing a dolly through a bus window and injuring fighters Ray Borg and Michael Chiesa. His team is currently working on a plea deal, and the “Notorious” is due back in court on July 26.
Meanwhile, McGregor striking coach Owen Roddy recently said that negotiations are building toward a fight with Nurmagomedov once his legal troubles are resolved. Nurmagomedov was the primary target of McGregor’s attack on the bus after the Dagestani confronted SBG Ireland product Artem Lobov earlier during UFC 223 fight week.
Nurmagomedov claimed the vacant lightweight crown with a five-round verdict against Al Iaquinta in the UFC 223 headliner. “The Eagle” seems to have more ominous plans in mind for McGregor.
“In what round will I be able to knock out McGregor? I do not know this, and no one can know this,” he said. “I’m going to destroy him, but in what round the fight will end — it’s hard to say.”