Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Alexander Volkanovski? The Featherweight Champ is Down

The chances of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Alexander Volkanovski fighting anytime soon seem slim to none. After all, both UFC champs have challengers waiting for them in their respective divisions. But, recently Volkanovski was asked how he thinks a fight between him and Khabib would go, and it sounds like the featherweight champ like his odds.

Volkanovski is down to fight Nurmagomedov

Volkanovski is coming off the biggest win of his career in December, when he ended the reign of Max Holloway via decision and secured the featherweight crown. As it stands right, it’s not clear when and who the 31 year-old will fight next.

Recently the Australian star spoke with TMZ Sports, and the subject of Volkanovski moving up to 155 at some juncture was raised. As was how a fight between him and the lightweight champ Khabib would go. Here is some of what the powerful featherweight had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“Lets be honest, I’m not an easy man to hold down,” Volkanovski said. “Me being short sometimes works in my favor. These little limbs get me up pretty easily. I’m very strong, I’ve got very good base and then obviously you’s know I can strike so it definitely is intriguing. A lot of people are going to be like: ‘Oh he’s way bigger than you.’ Whatever, mate! I’ve been versus people way bigger than me my whole life and it’s never held me down, so me being shorter ain’t a problem.”

“I believe pound-for-pound I’m one of the strongest in the UFC, and even for the lightweights, they feel my power.”

“…I’m strong in the lightweight division, to be quite honest. But obviously those boys are bigger, but again (with) my strength I wouldn’t be afraid to go up either.”

Now, if you’ve followed the career of Volkanovski, then you know that he used to weigh over 200 pounds and he was a professional rugby player. So, although he’s just 5’6 tall, you can understand why the champ’s not worried about being overpowered at 155.

But could this fight happen?

While it’s an interesting match-up to contemplate, the odds of Volkanovski and Nurmagomedov fighting at some juncture seem really low. Nurmagomedov has said on more than one occasion now that he doesn’t plan to fight longer. Recently the galaxy class grappler said he could retire in a couple of years.

Khabib is booked to fight Tony Ferguson on April 18th, and if he wins that bout, a rematch with Conor McGregor could materialize, as could a super fight with Georges St-Pierre. Some have opined that Nurmagomedov could look to retire after fighting GSP.

So, if Volkanovski continues to rule the featherweight division, sure; maybe a champ vs. champ bout would interest Khabib. But, a lot has to take place first before that seems like a possibility.