Nurmagomedov says UFC used him to book Alvarez vs. McGregor

Khabib hopes to fight for the lightweight belt after UFC 205. (Photo: Getty Images)

Khabib Nurmagomedov was close to receiving a shot at the lightweight belt against Eddie Alvarez, but ended up being passed over by Conor McGregor. A fact that, according to the Russian himself, only happened because the UFC used it to get both McGregor and Alvarez to agree to face each other at UFC 205, an event that will take place on November 12th, in New York.

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“The UFC sent me two contracts, and I signed both. My name was used for the UFC to get the fight to happen. McGregor and Alvarez asked for a lot of money to agree to face each other. When McGregor saw my signature, he realized that I could beat Alvarez, and he wouldn't have a chance to win that belt, and Alvarez, when he saw my signature, knew he wouldn't have an easy fight like the one he'll have against McGregor. I think they were both afraid that I would get into this fight. That's why I think the UFC used my name”, said the Russian in an interview with the North American website 'Champion.co'.

PUBLICITY:

Without the title shot, Khabib was left with the option of facing another relevant name in the category: Michael Johnson, sixth in the ranking. For him, if he wins his next fight, the 70kg challenger position should be his.

“I deserve the title shot. It's not just about my UFC career, but my career as a whole. It's eight and a half years undefeated. After winning Michael Johnson, I hope the UFC gives me a title shot. I don't care who wins, and I don't think about money or fighting against Conor McGregor or against anyone. My business is the belt. That's the fight I want. Many fight for money, but it's not everything for me. Money is important in life, but I have money. I never used MMA to make money. MMA is my life, it's in my blood and it's what I've been doing my whole life. I can make money in different ways. I already have everything I need, except the belt”, concluded the Russian.

PUBLICITY:

Khabib Nurmagomedov, 28 years old, has a perfect MMA record with 23 wins in 23 fights. In the UFC, he has already won seven victories, including three over Brazilian Gleison Tibau, Thiago tavares e Rafael dos Anjos.