Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov says there are three potential opponents for his son at UFC 242, and Khabib is preparing for all of them.
While it’s generally known to everyone covering the sport that the UFC will most likely head to Abu Dhabi for UFC 242 in September, the event still hasn’t been officially announced. Which seemed a bit strange, given that the main event seemed sorted: Dustin Poirier would challenge 155 pound champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. That’s what UFC president Dana White said would happen if Poirier beat Max Holloway. Both Poirier and Khabib have been jawing at each other on social media like it’s happening.
But according to Khabib’s dad and honorary head coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, things aren’t set in stone.
”There are three opponents in development,” Abdulmanap told Sports.ru (via Bloody Elbow). “There is Ferguson, a rematch with Conor and Dustin Poirier. Khabib is preparing for any of them.”
Now if you’re Dustin Poirier and you’re reading this going ‘What the ffffuuuu” … at least Khabib’s dad is on your side.
“But for me it would be logical to fight with Dustin Poirier, and let McGregor fight someone else” he finished.
The UFC will have to make a decision soon. Khabib is about to start his fight camp according to AKA coach Javier Mendez. And we don’t even think Conor could prep for a fight in September, depending on how bad his recent thumb injury is. Could the UFC be waiting to see what happens between Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson this coming weekend at UFC 238 on June 8th?
That’d certainly be playing Dustin Poirier dirty, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned watching the lightweight division over the past couple of years is that no title shot is for sure until the cage gets locked behind both competitors.
UFC 242 is reportedly going down September 7th from Abu Dhabi … but as we mentioned, nothing has been officially announced so maybe don’t buy any expensive plane tickets just yet.