It is unknown who lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight next there is only a handful of worthy opponents for the undefeated Dagestani. It depends who UFC chooses, but Khabib said he’ll be ready to defend his title regardless of how the cards fall.
Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez who finds himself near the top of the division as he ranked number three, and he could very well be next to face Nurmagomedov for the title. But he has to wait longer as ‘The Eagle’ is not returning to action until November of this year.
Conor McGregor would probably be the frontrunner to fight for the title, but legal troubles stemming from his infamous bus attack during UFC 223 fight week has left the Irishman somewhat in limbo.
Eddie Alvarez lost the bout at UFC 205 to Conor McGregor back in 2016; he says there’s more mystique in locking horns with Khabib than his former opponent.
However, UFC is up to book a rematch with Dustin Poirier, a chance to settle his dispute with “Stockton Slugger” Nate Diaz or get revenge on Conor McGregor, but he turned down all the offers to get to Khabib during his recent interview with The MMA Hour. (Quotes via MMAMania)
“The one I want the most out of all them is Khabib, and it has nothing to do with the title. I just think right now, timing wise, he’s the most valuable of all them fighters.”
“He’s undefeated so there is this mystique that he is unbeatable which excites me even more. I just need to fight somebody that I can get excited about. I’ve been fighting since I am 19 years old and I need something more than just here’s another bout, here’s another guy,” he added.
“There has to be something in it for me, something to be excited about. Something to wake up early for, go to sleep late and maybe have a little fear of losing to him. I need to feel that in order to take a fight and he can be that guy.”
It is interesting that Alvarez is looking down at a rematch with Mcgregor, as a lot of fighters who would take showdown with McGregor, due to the corresponding paycheck they would get.
Before Alvarez takes on any fight or foresees a fight with Khabib, he needs to renew his UFC contract as he is on the last fight of his current deal.
Share your opinion who should Khabib Nurmagomedov fight next for his first title defense?
