Back after two years, Nurmagomedov demands title fight: 'Everyone lost, not me'

Khabib (photo) is undefeated in his career and is one of the biggest names in Russian MMA today. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

After two years away from the octagon due to a series of injuries, the Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov will finally fight again next Saturday (16) at UFC Fight Night Tampa. Even with the change of his opponent, who will now be Darrell Horcher, after the departure of Tony Ferguson, Khabib believes he deserves a shot at the lightweight title next and has used strong words against the rest of the division to secure his spot.

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“I never lost a round in my entire career. I already beat the current lightweight champion. I hope they give me a title shot. It's not my problem that my opponent is Darrel Horcher. I asked to face Cerrone, Eddie Alvarez and Tony Ferguson, and none of them are here. I've been undefeated my whole life. Eddie Alvarez keeps losing, Cerrone and Ferguson too. The UFC needs someone different, with a new level, from a new generation. A lot of people agree that I deserve to fight for the title. These idiots lose all the time. Nate diaz He's been defeated ten times, McGregor lost recently... they've all lost, not me. No fight worries me. If you talk about Rafael dos Anjos, I already beat him two years ago. I resolved the issue and no one can deny it. If he owns the belt today, I want to face him again. Him or whoever is the champion. I just have to fight for the belt after my fight on Saturday”, said the Russian, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Junkie”.

Despite being a clear favorite against Horcher, the Russian guarantees that he will not underestimate his rival. “I’m not going to underestimate my opponent, because that would be a huge mistake. His left is very hard. I also want to thank you for agreeing to face me with just two weeks notice. I have respect for him, but when they close the fence, my plan is one: to dominate him”, he assured.

Undefeated in 22 fights as a professional, Khabib Nurmagomedov, 27 years old, comes from six consecutive victories. The Russian was the last athlete to beat the lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in the Octagon, in a fight held in April 2014.