- Khabib Nurmagomedov is the current reigning UFC lightweight champion
- He is reportedly in talks to fight in Abu Dhabi in September
- He says he would rather fight a UFC fighter than take part in a boxing match against retired boxer Floyd Mayweather
- Nurmagomedov believes he will fight in the UAE against either Max Holloway or Dustin Poirier
After his last fight and win against Irishman Conor McGregor led to suspension, the current reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is in talks to fight in Abu Dhabi in September, according to Arabian Business.
He let the cat out of the bag after a meeting with students at a Russian university, Nurmagomedov said that “we are working on this”.
“UFC told me they are working on this,” he told Russia Today. “I just came back from Dubai. And very soon news is coming. Very soon.”
The 30-year old champion has not fought since his controversial victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 that led to a post match brawl. His US$2 million fight purse is currently being held by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, as punishment for the incident.
The report adds that the main challenge to the deal is the ongoing suspension of his cousin, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and fellow UFC fighter Zubaira Tukgugov, both of whom are serving a yearlong ban from the sport for their participation in a post-fight brawl with Conor McGregor and his team.
“[Tukgugov and Abubakar] either have to fight with me on the same event or before me, it is the main term of my comeback,” he said.
He also hinted at who he will fight in September.
“[Holloway and Poirier] are fighting for the interim belt, and the champion has to face the interim champion. Tony Ferguson can’t fight at the moment, (Georges) St-Pierre is retired, McGregor is retired, a boxing match with Mayweather is not happening as we couldn’t come to an agreement with UFC. Holloway and Poirier are great fighters, I will fight the winner of this bout.”
