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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje is reportedly in the works for UFC 253.
The highly anticipated lightweight title unification bout between reigning 155-pound champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and newly-crowned interim titleholder Justin Gaethje is expected to headline UFC 253 on September 19, according to a report from Brazilian MMA outlet Combate.
Ultimate negocia Khabib Nurmadomedov x Justin Gaethje para o UFC 253,19 de setembro – Mais uma em parceria com o @marbarone https://t.co/YV2eAt4NyB
— Raphael Marinho (@raphamarinho) June 9, 2020
Nurmagomedov is undefeated after twenty eight professional fights and is en route to becoming the greatest lightweight champion in UFC history and is already considered one of the best fighters to have ever graced the sport. The feared Dagestani last fought at UFC 242 where he disposed of Dustin Poirier via third-round submission, successfully unifying the lightweight titles and cementing himself as the No. 2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Gaethje, 31, has stormed through the lightweight rankings after rattling off four straight stoppage wins over James Vick, Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone, and Tony Ferguson. ‘The Highlight’ finished all but one of those opponents (Ferguson) via first-round KO and is widely considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division.
Khabib vs. Gaethje hasn’t been confirmed, but expect an official announcement in the coming days.