Opponent or not, Khabib Nurmagomedov is training as though he has a fight at UFC 209.
The saga that is Nurmagomedov’s next UFC bout continues to drag on but it would appear that we’re moving in the right direction as the undefeated Russian is officially starting his training camp.
Much had been made about the potential for a lightweight title eliminator between Nurmagomedov and fellow top contender Tony Ferguson, or even an interim title fight between the two, but UFC president Dana White insisted that Ferguson’s purse demands had become a major obstacle in the booking process.
Ferguson reportedly wanted to make the same as Nurmagomedov for the fight but White put the kibosh on that and it appeared as though the ship had sailed on the bout.
The Dagestani 155lber was so keen on taking out the only other man in the title picture that he even offered Ferguson $200,000 of his own money to take the fight before an ultimatum via manager Ali Abdel-Aziz arrived, stating that Ferguson had six days to accept the offer.
Whether ‘El Cucuy’ signed on the dotted line or not is unknown but what we do know is that Nurmagomedov is in training camp.
Starting my training camp. #ufc209
8 weeks before fight.
About opponent I let you know guys.… https://t.co/uww85SdFfR— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 7, 2017
UFC 209 takes place on March 4 in Las Vegas but is currently without a main event however suggestions have been made that a rematch for the welterweight title – between champion Tyron Woodley and challenger Stephen Thompson – would act as the headliner while Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson would feature as co-main event.
A more cryptic message came from Ferguson’s social media and the fact that positive updates arrived from both men in such a short space of time led many to believe that the fight was all but a done deal.
Time To Get Excited Y'all!!! #ElCuCuy is coming!!! #ElCucuyViene #TeamElCucuy #TonyFergusonMMA #SnapDownCity @paradigmsm #GP #Victoryon3 pic.twitter.com/sTcLnAA6To
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) January 7, 2017
