UFC 242: Khabib Nurmagomedov says Tony Ferguson ‘deserves this’ next title shot
- ‘It’s gonna be a good fight,’ undisputed lightweight champion says after submitting Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi
- ‘UFC make the decisions, but I think yes, he’s in line’
At the UFC 242 post-event press conference, Khabib Nurmagomedov said simply his next opponent would be a big steak and a burger with double cheese, washed down with some ice cold juice.
He was a little more forthcoming in a chat with ESPN after submitting Dustin Poirier by rear-naked choke to become the undisputed lightweight champion in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.
The Dagestan-born Russian confirmed Tony Ferguson will get the next crack at his title, after former interim champion Poirier fell by the wayside.
“UFC make the decisions, I think yes, he [Ferguson] deserves this, he’s in line,” Khabib said. “It’s gonna be a good fight.”
But it was obvious that controversial fight against the Irishman last October – and the nine-month ban Khabib picked up for jumping out of the octagon and attacking McGregor’s jiu-jitsu coach Dillon Danis – had taken a mental toll on the champion.