For a brief while prior to the confirmation of Conor McGregor's title shot against lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, Khabib Nurmagomedov thought he was the one getting the opportunity to claim the 155-pound belt.
It did not turn out that way. Dana White said recently there were special circumstances surrounding McGregor being given the fight. Also, it seems that Alvarez wanted the McGregor fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov on The Luke Thomas Show
Speaking on the Luke Thomas Show on Tuesday, Nurmagomedov expressed his strong desire for his next fight to be for the title. Citing the population of Russia compared to that of Ireland, he claimed he has power akin to or even greater than McGregor. Of course, that does not take into account the worldwide appeal of the Irishman.
The Dagestani felt his self-perceived power gave him leeway to fire a little threat the UFC's way.
After this fight I have to fight for the title. UFC thinks Conor has power? Ireland only has like 6 million people. I am from Russia, 150 million people. If UFC don't give me the title fight after this fight, I'm going to show how I have power in Russia and I know if I don't fight for the title next fight, UFC will never ever go to Russia.
Along with threatening that roadblock to the UFC hosting an event in Russia, Nurmagomedov also issued an ultimatum to the promotion: give me the title fight or I'm done.
If I don't fight after this fight for the title, I never fight in the UFC, no more. I deserve this. If UFC doesn't give me title after fight... I don't care about unanimous decision, split decision, first round KO. If I don't fight, I'm gonna show how I have power in Russia. Because UFC think Conor have power? I have power too. This is not all about pay per view. I have power too. I'm gonna show this power.
You can listen to Khabib Nurmagomedov on The Luke Thomas Show below.
