Khabib Nurmagomedov focuses on first title defense in October

Khabib says he will be ready to return to the Octagon, regardless of the opponent chosen by the UFC. (Photo: Brandon Magnus/UFC)

After winning the UFC lightweight belt via unanimous decision at UFC 223 over To the fifth in April this year, Khabib Nurmagomedov I didn't think about returning to the octagon so soon. On Tuesday (29), the Russian fighter, in a chat with fans, stated that his team is already talking to the UFC about a title defense in October.

“I don't know when it will be, but now we're talking about it with the UFC. It will be maybe September XNUMXth or maybe October XNUMXth. I don't know about the opponent, Conor, GSP, whoever. It doesn't matter, we'll see. Over the next few weeks, it's going to be a lot of fun, because now we're starting to talk about my next fight with the UFC,” Khabib explained.

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The dates proposed by the champion are October 229th, when UFC 228 is scheduled in Las Vegas, and September 09th, where there is no defined event. The date for UFC XNUMX has not yet been announced, but it is likely that the UFC is targeting its September pay-per-view event for the weekend of September XNUMXth.

Nurmagomedov's future opponent is a question that the UFC must resolve in the coming days. During the UFC Liverpool press conference, UFC president Dana White expressed interest in a confrontation with Conor McGregor. The viability of the fight depends on the legal problems arising from the bus attack by the Irishman at UFC 223.

Another Ultimate option would be the former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson who is recovering from knee surgery. The Russian champion has also suggested a fight with former middleweight and welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.

Even with his rival undefined, Nurmagomedov says he will be ready. Despite living in the holy month of Ramadan, which ends on June 16th. During this period, Muslims fast daily and abstain from food and water during the day.

“I feel great, I feel good. Now we have Ramadan. We are training only at night. Feeling good, feeling good, my weight is good, my shape is good. I always train every day, sometimes twice”, explained the lightweight champion.

The champion Khabib Nurmagomedov He has an MMA record of 26 fights and remains undefeated. He debuted in the UFC in 2012 and has already faced Brazilians: Gleison Tibau, Thiago tavares, Rafael dos Anjos e Edson Barboza.