Khabib Nurmagomedov Challenges Tony Ferguson To Interim Title Fight

Conor McGregor relinquished his UFC Featherweight Championship this weekend, causing a chain reaction throughout the UFC. Now, one of his top lightweight challengers wants an interim title created for the division.

Khabib Nurmagomedov challenged Tony Ferguson to an interim title for March, as McGregor isn't planned to return until at least next Summer. Nurmagomedov spoke to RT Sport recently to discuss the situation.

“I feel very bad about this because before this year I have two years rest because I have injured all the time. Now I don’t want [to be] waiting for this guy. If Conor don’t want fight before May/June, I want to take other fight. I want to fight for the interim belt with Tony Ferguson. Last time he was injured. He pulled out, not me. He’s not coming to April 16 to the fight. Before I have been injured and now it’s, why not? Now, I think the UFC wants to make this fight. I feel this, and for me its perfect date is March. Not early, only March. Tony Ferguson is tough guy, tough opponent. Nine (fight)-win streak. Why not? I think this is real high level lightweight fight. Not Conor versus me I think this is real high level fight.” said Khabib.

Due to McGregor relinquishing his Featherweight title, Jose Aldo was promoted to undisputed champion, while Anthony Pettis and Max Holloway will compete for the interim title at UFC 206 in Toronto.

Nurmagomedov defeated Michael Johnson at UFC 205, and subsequently called out McGregor.