Manager Says Khabib Nurmagomedov Could Fight Before September

Since Khabib Nurmagomedov was forced out of an April 18th bout with Tony Ferguson, the talk has been that the UFC lightweight champ’s next bout will likely go down in September. But, recently the star’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, reported Nurmagomedov could be ready to fight sooner than people think.

Abdelaziz says Khabib could be ready to go in August

Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Ferguson in the headliner of UFC 249. But the undefeated fighter was ultimately stranded in Russia due to a coronavirus travel ban, and the UFC tapped Justin Gaethje to face Ferguson for an interim lightweight title.

UFC 249, however, was eventually postponed due to the pandemic. More recently, the UFC announced plans for a May 9th card, featuring Ferguson vs. Gaethje, but it remains to be seen if that match-up happens.

The current expectation is that Nurmagomedov will likely face the winner of Ferguson – Gaethje in September. Assuming the winner of that bout (if it happens) is healthy and ready to go, the timeline works, and Khabib has also talked about fighting that month.

But, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz had this to say about a timeline for Khabib’s next fight.

“I think he can be back in August,” Abdelaziz said. “He told me originally the UFC had scheduled a San Francisco fight, I think it was August 1.

He can fight there, it’s no problem. It doesn’t have to be September. But, as you know, (in) September they always have this Abu Dhabi card and I’m sure the UFC wants him to fight there.”

So, we’ll see what happens. If Ferguson and Gaethje do fight next month, a turn-around fight in August for the winner may be pushing it. Due to the abilities of both men, it would be kind of shocking if the winner emerged unscathed. 

Abdelaziz discusses fact he represents both Nurmagomedov and Gaethje

Another interesting storyline that could emerge with Khabib’s next bout, is if Gaethje beats Ferguson. Both fighters are represented by Abdelaziz and Dominance MMA.

But, while talking about the fact Abdelaziz managers both fighters, and whether he would intervene, he said this.

“You saw (what happened when) Henry Cejudo fought Marlon Moraes before. If (Gaethje is) going to be interim champion, he’s going to fight Khabib for the undisputed lightweight championship.

These guys work all their lives to become a champion. Who am I to step in the way to making that happen?

I know Tony (Ferguson) had a problem before with (having the same management as Conor McGregor), but that’s not how I do business.

“I don’t think it’s fair for a manager or a promoter to stop a guy from having his dreams come true of becoming the undisputed UFC champion. If Justin wins, it’s a fair fight. Him and Khabib will fight.”

First things first, however, a bout between Gaethje and Ferguson needs to actually take place, and Gaethje needs to defeat “El Cucuy”. A guy who hasn’t lost a fight since 2012.