Khabib targeting late 2018 UFC return, possibly against McGregor or St-Pierre

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has plans for a first title defence later on this year, as he is planning to return the Octagon in September or October.

Nurmagomedov (26-0) improved his flawless record last month when he defeated Al Iaquinta at UFC 223 to become the new UFC lightweight champion. A devout muslim, ramadan season has just started for Khabib, so the Russian is looking for a return later on in the year.

Speaking on a live feed earlier this week, Khabib discussed potential opponents for his next fight, and some possible return dates.

“A lot of people ask me about my next fight. To be honest I don’t know. I don’t know when it’s going to be. Now we talk about this with the UFC. It’s going to be maybe 9 September or 6 October. I don’t know about opponent; Conor (McGregor), GSP (Georges St-Pierre), whoever. It doesn’t matter, we’ll see.

It’s worth noting that events have not been announced for the two dates Nurmagomedov mentioned (Sept. 9 and Oct. 6), so these could be potential dates for the upcoming pay-per-views UFC 228 and UFC 229. The UFC’s first event in Khabib’s native country of Russia will take place the week after Sept. 9, as the octagon travels to Moscow on Sept. 15.

“Next couple of weeks it’s going to be very fun because now we’re beginning to talk about my next fight with the UFC. I feel great, I feel good. Now we have Ramadan and we train only night and feeling good and great. My weight is good, my shape is good. I am always training everyday, sometimes I train two times.” (Transcription by MMA Mania)

UFC president Dana White has recently stated he is “confident” in booking a fight between Nurmagomedov and McGregor, whilst St-Pierre has also expressed his interest in a fight with either McGregor or Khabib.