KHABIB WANTS TO FIGHT GSP IN AFRICA AT 155lbs
Khabib’s win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 has opened up a lot of options for Khabib Nurmagomedov in the future. The hopeful pound for pound best has Conor McGregor pt 2 Tony Ferguson, and even hinting at retirement as options. It’s safe to say Khabib will be enjoying his downtime before making a decision. One fight Khabib always wanted was a matchup against UFC welterweight legend Georges St Pierre.
At the UFC 242 post-fight press conference, a reporter asked Khabib about GSP.
Khabib on GSP
The reporter notified Khabib that GSP was just asked earlier about the fight and his reply was “sure.” Khabib responded.
“Georges St. Pierre is a great great guy. (He is a) great champion, (and a) great athlete. He’s a very good example for young kids.” Khabib continued, “I know he’s retired but if he wants to come back if he feels hungry, if he feels like he can improve his legacy fighting with me and make 155, I am waiting for him.”
Khabib went on to explain how he believes GSP may be interested in holding the newest design of the UFC title, but only as a prop for a photo. He also reiterated his desire to stay in the lightweight division. Even in regards to facing St. Pierre.
While asked about double champ status, Khabib said:
“No. I don’t want to go. I am not a welterweight and I’m not a featherweight. I’m a lightweight.. the lightweight champion. I want to defend my title in the lightweight division.” Khabib continued on, “Welterweight? Maybe, but not yet. I feel great in (the) lightweight division.”
“Send Me Location”
Khabib is famous for one of his many catchphrases, ‘Send Me Location.’ Nurmagomedov is keen on the idea of fighting GSP in Africa for charity for his chosen location. He’s shown to have strong ties to the nation in the past.
“If UFC has (a )big big fight, they can build this arena in Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan… whatever. (Lets) Fight there, make money, do some charity stuff. UFC can do this. I’m gonna do this if they want to support this. Why not,” said Khabib.
He continued on with explaining his reasoning for the location through his ongoing theme of charity work.
“Africa is in (a) very bad situation without water, (a) lot of people (are) dying because they don’t have just drinking water,” said Khabib. “We don’t have this problem but millions of people have this problem. Why not? We can do this. Let’s go. If the UFC can support this, I’m going to support this too.
He finished with giving a timeframe in which the event could occur. Khabib said, “They can build this arena in (the) next three months. Maybe January, February, March, we can fight in someplace like Congo, why not? And all money that we make, we can use on charity in Africa or something.”
Even UFC president Dana White finally said a word wheb reported asked him about Khabib vs GSP…. after a long pause he said ‘sure.’
That pause… pic.twitter.com/ETmwim9t5N
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 7, 2019
With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise that all Khabib can think about right now is steaks and burgers. As the timeline plays out, it seems like his next fight will either be GSP in Africa or Tony Ferguson anywhere. Either way, Nurmagomedov deserves it.