UFC: Khabib to defend against Ferguson; Update on McGregor-GSP fight

Khabib Nurmagomedov last competed in Octagon at UFC 242 when he defeated lightweight contender Dustin Poirier with a third-round rear-naked choke to retain UFC Lightweight championship and continue his undefeated 28-0 streak which is longest in MMA right w. Khabib made a class gesture to fallen Poirier post-fight while his next challenger still remained uncertain.

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next credible contender for Khabib Nurmagomedov

After a dominating performance against Dustin Poirier, many believe that only lightweight that could bring champion some issues w looks to be Tony Ferguson, who last defeated Donald Cerrone via a technical kckout in a relentless battle. Ferguson has come back through line after rehabilitation, took on two world champions and seems to be clear next contender for title.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson - is cursed fight finally happening?

In run-up to ir last encounter at UFC 209, a botched weight cut from Khabib resulted in a fall off amidst claims of Russian gorging on tiramisu. Ever since, just like he loves associating Cor McGregor with McNugget, he nicknamed champ ‘tiramisu’ and would frequently reference his love for dessert. He recently shared a mock-up of a food magazine cover featuring champion.

According to reports, Khabib is due to defend his UFC lightweight title at Barclays Center or Madison Square Garden early next year with Khabib agreeing on a deal to next fight Ferguson in a New York mega-fight which can be considered four years in making. Khabib-Ferguson fight has been booked three times previously, with health or injuries conspiring to scupper bout each time. UFC president Dana White was always open to idea of Khabib-Ferguson match despite calling it a cursed fight. It seemed obvious that eir of two teams was clearly t coming to negotiations table in recent time.

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What happens to Cor McGregor and GSP super-fight?

Of all names listed, Khabib has also shown interest in fighting UFC Welterweight George Saint Pierre over past few months. It’s a fight that keeps coming up. GSP retired from sport after White shut down idea on multiple occasions, yet people keep talking about it. Over past few months, possibility of match has gone from “it will remain a fantasy fight” to “we might see that happen” territory with Dana White coming out and starting a dialogue that George could be coming to table. This goes to show that White was just promoting through media that y have or options if  Ferguson fight does t happen. As for GSP and McGregor fight, while re is still a possibility, it is reported that it's t happening anytime soon.

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