It appears that UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will make his return to the octagon sometime this fall.
Unfortunately, the 155-pound champion was forced to pull out of his fight against Tony Ferguson due to a lockdown in Russia because of the current coronavirus pandemic. It would’ve been his first match-up since his dominant win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, and his third title defense overall.
Ferguson and Justin Gaethje are scheduled to fight for the UFC Interim Lightweight title on May 9, with the winner confirmed to get the next opportunity to face Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to Dana White himself:
“The Ferguson vs. Gaethje fight is one of the most violent fights you will see,” White told ESPN on Instagram Live. “I can guarantee that. This fight is going to be incredible. The winner will fight Khabib for the title. This is for the interim. 100 percent (the winner fights Khabib).”
The UFC President also revealed during the Instagram Live session that the big bout will take place either in September or October, though he doesn’t confirm any possible dates. It should be very interesting to see who ends up fighting the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion as Ferguson and Gaethje are both legit challengers for the 31-year-old.