Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Next Fight Could Be Happening In Russia

UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was last seen in the main event of UFC 242, defeating former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier to become the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion.

While the champ’s next bout has yet to be revealed, one thing Nurmagomedov seems sure of is that his next fight will happen in Russia. 

“Negotiations are continuing with the UFC. I really want to fight in Russia,” Khabib told Channel 1 (via RT Sport). “In St. Petersburg there’s a closed arena [Gazprom Arena]. In Moscow, Luzhniki Stadium is open… I was there at the [football] World Cup final when it rained, if that kind of rain happened it would ruin an [MMA] event. In St. Petersburg the stadium seats 75,000 people, I could fight there. In a small arena it wouldn’t work. I really want to fight here, talks are continuing, I’m about 80 percent sure my next fight will be in Russia.”

The UFC is returning to Russia this November with UFC Fight Night Moscow, which features former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos facing former Bellator Heavyweight Champion Alexander Volkov in the main event. Beyond the aforementioned UFC Fight Night Moscow card, no other UFC events have been announced for the country of Russia at this time. 

Former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson is expected to be next for Nurmagomedov, but Ali Abdelaziz says that former two division UFC champion Georges St. Pierre is who the lightweight champ wants to face next.