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While nothing is on paper (yet), it’s widely believed that Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his next 155-pound title defense against top lightweight contender and former interim champion, Tony Ferguson, at some point in early 2020.
Not surprisingly, the bookies have already set an opening line.
Nurmagomedov (28-0) is currently the -260 favorite, according to BetOnline.ag, with Ferguson (25-3) clocking in as the +220 underdog. No question these lines will shift as we inch closer to fight night, once the money starts trickling in.
“The Eagle” continued his undefeated run through the promotion’s lightweight division by disposing of Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 last weekend in Abu Dhabi. As for “El Cucuy,” he’s been stuck in a holding pattern after an untimely injury cost him a spot atop the 155-pound leaderboard early last year.
If for some reason Ferguson, 35, is unable (or unwilling) to accept the Nurmagomedov title fight, then UFC President Dana White has agreed to give Conor McGregor a championship rematch, though you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll be a sizable underdog, as well.
Probably because of this.