Khabib makes prediction about next challenge: '80% chance of happening in Russia”

K. Nurmagomedov poses with his belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @khabib_nurmagomedov

the russian Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the biggest stars today in Ultimate, has barely returned to active duty and is already causing a stir by arousing curiosity about when and against whom his next commitment will be in defending his lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg.). The athlete, who recently defended his title against Dustin poirier No. UFC 242, in Abu Dhabi, reported, in a recent interview with 'Russia's Chanel 1', his desire to fight at 'home' (Russia) in his next challenge.

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“Negotiations with the UFC continue. I really want to fight in Russia. In Saint Petersburg there is a closed arena (Gazprom Arena). In Moscow, the Luzhniki Stadium opens. I was there at the World Cup final (football, in 2018), when it rained. If this kind of rain happens at an MMA event, it will be ruined. In Saint Petersburg, the stadium holds 75 thousand people. I could fight there. In a smaller place, it wouldn’t work,” said the fighter.

Little by little, Nurmagomedov built a career that has solidified with each performance. Undefeated in his career in mixed martial arts in 28 clashes, the 'Eagle' has gained fans all over the world and truly hopes to be able to fulfill his dream of presenting himself to the Russian public wearing UFC gloves.

“I really want to fight here (Russia). Conversations are progressing. I am 80% sure that my next fight will be in Russia”, concluded Khabib.

In his last appearance, which took place at the beginning of September, the champion caused a stir by appearing in the main fight of the event held in Abu Dhabi. The fact of being Muslim, a religion with many followers in the region, also helps in promoting both the events and the fighter.

Even though the location is close to being defined and the athlete's current situation within the company allows him to choose where he wants to perform in his next fight, the main element remains: the opponent. After the victory over Poirier, Nurmagomedov assured that the most deserving of a title fight is the American Tony Ferguson, who comes from a good victory over his compatriot Donald Cerrone.

However, the company's president has already signaled difficulties in negotiating with the 'Bicho Papão'. The UFC, however, has an ace up its sleeve. Khabib has already publicly declared his desire to face the legendary Georges St-Pierre, two-time UFC champion in two different divisions (welterweight and middleweight). The Canadian, however, although he expressed his desire to face the Russian, is officially retired and would need some time to return to training at a high level, as he has not trained for competitions since he faced Michael Bisping and won the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg) in November 2017.