Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Next Challenger Will Be Tony Ferguson

According to UFC president Dana White, if the contracts can get finalized, Khabib Nurmagomedov will defend his lightweight title against Tony Ferguson and not Conor McGregor next.

However, if something spoils that, White has no issues making a rematch between Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.

Nurmagomedov unified the titles with a submission win over Dustin Poirier this past weekend at UFC 242. The unbeaten “Eagle” improved to 28-0.

Related: UFC 242 Results: Khabib Nurmagomedov Submits Dustin Poirier, Unifies UFC Lightweight Championships

“Tony is next in line if he accepts the fight,” White said at the post-fight press conference. “We’ll sow how thing thing plays out when Khabib will fight again and if Tony wants the fight.”

Tony Ferguson Is The Indisputable No. 1 Contender

Like Nurmagomedov, Ferguson has been on a stellar role, winning his last 12 fights. The two have had several planned fights, though, fall apart for a variety of reasons. Ferguson once held the interim UFC lightweight title, but was stripped of it due to an injury.

“Tony gets the next shot and obviously if for whatever reason, Tony can’t take the fight or doesn’t want the fight at that time, then we would figure out what was next,” White said. “But Conor would make a lot of sense. Conor wants that fight really bad and I’m sure the fans would want to see it. We’ll see how this whole thing plays out.”

Conor McGregor Willing To Go International For Khabib Rematch

Last year, Nurmagomedov earned his first title defense with a submission win over McGregor. The two were both suspended for their actions following the fight, but “Notorious” did acknowledge he would take a rematch vs. Nurmagomedov in Moscow if he had to.

Related: Conor McGregor Wants Khabib Nurmagomedov, Posts That He Will Take The Fight In Moscow