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Nurmagomedov targets McGregor after title win

Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has set his sights on a grudge match a...
Newstalk
Newstalk

12.07 8 Apr 2018


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Nurmagomedov targets McGregor...

Nurmagomedov targets McGregor after title win

Newstalk
Newstalk

12.07 8 Apr 2018


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Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has set his sights on a grudge match against Conor McGregor.

The Dagestani fighter out-pointed late replacement Al Iaquinta in the main event at UFC 223 to claim the title at 155 lbs after one of the most hectic week's in the organisations history.

Originally slated to fight Tony Ferguson, only for the American to injure himself at a UFC media event, featherweight champion Max Holloway stepped up on 6 says notice. 

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The Hawaiin was ruled out of the fight after being deemed 'medically unfit to fight' after the severe weight-cut in the lead-up to the bout. 

This was precede by Conor McGregor's unprecedented actions in the loading bay of the arena in Brooklyn which led to a multitude of cancellations on the card. 

Eventually, Iaquinta was booked for the main event and despite taking "The Eagle" the distance - Nurmagomedov's unbeaten record remained intact. 

Speaking to the media afterwards, the new champion said: “We have to finish this beef! - Beef, chicken, or something like this. He have to stop eat Burger Kings and — you want to fight?

"Come. I told you guys, we’re gonna make him humble. I told you guys, I’m gonna change this game. Now, only one champion. No more fake champions. No more champion who never defend his title, or something like this. Now, UFC have champion, and this champion want to defend his title. You want to fight? Come here!, he added. 

Earlier in the week, Nurmagodemov suggested a bout with MMA legend George St. Pierre but with both McGregor and Ferguson waiting in the wings - a bout with the Canadian is unlikely to be scheduled next. 

Elsewhere on the night, Rose Namajanus cemented her position at the dominant fighter in the women's strawweight division with a unanimous decision won over former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk.


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