Khabib Nurmagomedov Doesn’t Want To Become The UFC’s Slave

Khabib Nurmagomedov is on the cusp of getting a shot at UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor, one he's been wanting for quite some time. While Nurmagomedov is willing to do just about whatever it takes to get the title shot, he's not willing to be the UFC's 'slave.'

“I was talking directly with Dana White, President of UFC. As a person, I have the right to express my opinion in any form. Neither White nor even ten Whites can prohibit it. If a person has no opinion or he is afraid to openly express it, it means he is not a person. I do not want to be a slave, but I do want to solve the case. This situation may not last long. Even Irish fans will be disappointed in their idol, ‘Hey, why do you run from this guy. Go out and prove that you're the best lightweight of the world.’ So it is certain that sooner or later, McGregor will have to fight me,” Nurmagomedov said to Life.ru.

The Russian Nurmagomedov did watch McGregor become a double champion at UFC 205, a fight he feels he feels was a shame to watch.

“It's a shame I had to watch this fight,” Khabib said. “I do not know … Alvarez was in the most important fight of his life and looked as bad as if he hadn’t fought ever. Personally, I have this fight left a lot of questions. I repeat: I was looking at a champion in my weight, and I was ashamed of what he was doing in the Octagon. In general, I was very disappointed. Frankly, I wanted Alvarez to win. Because I knew that if wins McGregor, he starts running away from me. And so it happens."

Nurmagomedov is currently the #1 ranked lightweight in the UFC.