Right now, the biggest fight that can be made in mixed martial arts is a rematch between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In terms of mainstream appeal and personal stakes, there isn’t another contest that could garner as much attention as a second bout between the two lightweights. And, while most would point to Tony Ferguson as Nurmagomedov’s logical next contender, the rematch is never too far from most people’s minds.
Indeed, Nurmagomedov’s team apparently understands the appeal as well.
In a recent interview, Khabib’s father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov — who is known to have a huge influence over Khabib — says they’re more than ready to have another contest.
“If McGregor wants it, then Moscow is waiting for him,” Abdulmanap said, speaking with Zhivina100 (H/T RT Sport). “He said once that he has more fans here than Khabib. We want to host him in Moscow, he is welcome – we are waiting.”
But first, he says, a fight with Ferguson needs to happen. Having already been scheduled four times, it’s one of the most anticipated lightweight clashes available at the moment.
“But before McGregor we should finish our business with Ferguson,” Abdulmanap said. “Because he had 28 fights, and runs a 12-fight winning streak in the UFC, just like Khabib. Such winning streaks and such big fights have never happened in the UFC.
”So I think Madison Square Garden is a good place for this fight, but we won’t fight earlier than March.”