Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals ‘UFC Is Working On Abu Dhabi MMA Event’ In September
Last week UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed via social media that he’s returning to the Octagon very soon and even UFC head honcho also confirmed that Russian is planning to return to competition in September. Not only that White also said promotion wants ‘Eagle’ to face the winner of Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier who are set to clash for an interim lightweight title at UFC 236 on April 13th.
Khabib is currently serving nine months of suspension after instigating a UFC 229 post-fight brawl. He’s no plan to return to UFC until October or November in solidarity with his teammates, Zubaira Tukgugov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov who also received a one year of sanction.
On Tuesday at a meet and greet session with students at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Khabib replied to one of the Journalists about his upcoming fight in Abu Dhabi this September.
“UFC told me that they are working on this,” Khabib told RT Sport. “I just came back from Dubai. And very soon news is coming. Very soon. Tony Ferguson can’t fight at the moment, (Georges) St-Pierre is retired, (Conor) McGregor is retired, a boxing match with (Floyd) Mayweather is not happening as we couldn’t come to an agreement with UFC. (Max) Holloway and (Dustin) Poirier are great fighters, I will fight the winner of this bout.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov said he could be back to Octagon earlier then his timetable if promotion allows his teammates to fight on the same card as him.
“[Tukgugov and Abubakar] either have to fight with me on the same event or before me, it is the main term of my comeback, It’s a principal issue for me, and I won’t step back.”
Tony Ferguson is a rightful contender for title shot however he’s facing some personal problems that put him on sidelines for an unknown time. Conor Mcgregor recently announced his retirement from MMA after promotion refused to give him stakes in the company. However, UFC head honcho Dana White recently said Mcgregor isn’t retired we’ll make him happy in other ways.
Also, a fight with Floyd Mayweather can only happen if ‘Money’ signs with the UFC according to Dana White, so that is off the table too.
We can expect an official announcement in the coming weeks.
