We officially have a date for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje.
The UFC President confirmed the match-up on CNN himself as Dana White announced that the lightweight championship bout will take place this fall, “It’s going to happen, tell you right here right now. That fight is going to happen,” White said (via MMA Fighting). “Khabib vs. Gaethje, October 24.”
Thus far, Nurmagomedov has successfully defended his title against Conor McGregor (via submission at UFC 229) and Dustin Poirier (via submission at UFC 242). The lightweight has yet to be defeated inside of the octagon, with Nurmagomedov also beating several top fighters such as Rafael dos Anjos (via unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 11) and Edson Barboza (via unanimous decision at UFC 219). His professional record currently stands at 28 wins and 0 losses.
Gaethje is currently on a roll himself as the Interim Lightweight Champion is in the midst of a four-fight winning streak, dropping James Vick (via KO at UFC Fight Night 135), Edson Barboza (via KO at UFC on ESPN 2), Donald Cerrone (via TKO at UFC Fight Night 158), and Tony Ferguson (via TKO at UFC 249). Gaethje’s professional record currently stands at 22 wins and 2 losses.
White doesn’t confirm that the match-up will headline the pay-per-view; however, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the title fight main events the October 24 card. Thus far, the location for the match-up is currently unknown.