“This is what I want and March 4, inshallah, this becomes true.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is just a couple of days away from facing Tony Ferguson (22-3 MMA, 13-1 UFC) for the interim lightweight title in the co-headliner of UFC 209 in Las Vegas. The bout marks one of the most anticipated showdowns in recent memory when the two top contenders meet in a grudge match that will crown an interim UFC lightweight champion.
If Khabib manages to take Tony Ferguson out in the same impressive fashion as his past opponents, the UFC may have another fighter with enough star power to intrigue the brash Irishman. Whether McGregor ever returns to defend his belt or not, the winner of this bout will be a worthy champion in the UFC’s best weight class.
The Russian is currently on a 24-fight winning streak, the longest among active UFC fighters, and he holds all the elements to be a mega star in the UFC. His grappling pedigree is beyond reproach and his performances in the Octagon have been second-to-none, but it is his undeniable charisma and quirky personality that elevates him from being a talented fighter to potentially being one of the biggest names on the roster.
Nurmagomedov carries into the Ultimate Fighting Championship cage the pride of 1.6 billion Muslims on earth. In a recent episode of UFC Embedded leading up to his UFC 209 interim lightweight title fight against Tony Ferguson on March 4th, his gym was overrun by Muslim fans of many nations.
“This is not only about me,” he said. “This is about my people, my friends around the world. I want to give this victory for these people and this Saturday, my dream is coming true, inshallah.
The UFC has yet to crown its first Muslim champion, and Khabib has the opportunity to make a whole Muslim nation proud this weekend.
UFC 209 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 4th. The main card, including the co-headliner of Tony Ferguson (22-3 MMA, 12-1 UFC) vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.
