Video: Khabib – I deserve a title fight after I beat Ferguson

UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov discusses his long-awaited comeback and explains why he deserves a title shot with a win over Ferguson.

Almost two years removed from his last Octagon outing, Khabib Nurmagomedov is back in training camp for his headlining bout against Tony Ferguson in April’s UFC on FOX event.

This time around, Khabib spent a portion of his camp in his hometown of Makhachkala, the capital of his native Dagestan, as well as with the KHK MMA team in Bahrain. Last week, he arrived in San Jose to complete the final portion of his camp at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside fellow Russians Islam Makhachev, Zubaira Tukhugov, Ruslan Magomedov, and his own cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov.

While the past 24 months have been turbulent at best for the lightweight contender, he believes he has not lost his step in that time.

“I can do everything I used to do before my injury,” Khabib told Inside MMA. “Training camp is going very well. No injuries. Everything that I love, I can do.”

Faced with an opponent who is on a seven-fight win streak, Khabib believes a win in April would solidify his claim at a title shot.

“After Ferguson fight, I’ll deserve a title shot.”

Although he refuses to contemplate future opponents, Khabib offered a wry smile and quick soundbyte when asked about the potential big name fights that await him.

“We have a lot of fun times in the future. Ferguson, Dos Anjos, McGregor. A lot of tough guys waiting for me.”

UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov discusses his long-awaited comeback and explains why he deserves a title shot with a win over Ferguson.

Almost two years removed from his last Octagon outing, Khabib Nurmagomedov is back in training camp for his headlining bout against Tony Ferguson in April’s UFC on FOX event.

This time around, Khabib spent a portion of his camp in his hometown of Makhachkala, the capital of his native Dagestan, as well as with the KHK MMA team in Bahrain. Last week, he arrived in San Jose to complete the final portion of his camp at the American Kickboxing Academy alongside fellow Russians Islam Makhachev, Zubaira Tukhugov, Ruslan Magomedov, and his own cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov.

While the past 24 months have been turbulent at best for the lightweight contender, he believes he has not lost his step in that time.

“I can do everything I used to do before my injury,” Khabib told Inside MMA. “Training camp is going very well. No injuries. Everything that I love, I can do.”

Faced with an opponent who is on a seven-fight win streak, Khabib believes a win in April would solidify his claim at a title shot.

“After Ferguson fight, I’ll deserve a title shot.”

Although he refuses to contemplate future opponents, Khabib offered a wry smile and quick soundbyte when asked about the potential big name fights that await him.

“We have a lot of fun times in the future. Ferguson, Dos Anjos, McGregor. A lot of tough guys waiting for me.”