Conor McGregor might have the most hype, but Khabib Nurmagomedov could just be the most difficult puzzle to crack in the Octagon.
The Russian lightweight returned to action after a two-year absence with
a comprehensive second-round TKO of Darrell Horcher on Saturday night to take his professional record to an undefeated 23-0.
Nurmagomedov's return to action has already kickstarted about a rematch with current 155 lb champion Rafael dos Anjos in what would be a mouth-watering title fight.
The pair faced off two years ago, with Nurmagomedov taking the win by unanimous decision. But in the Russian's absence, RDA has claimed the lightweight crown.
Fans looking forward to a rematch will have to wait, though. Nurmagomedov's Muslim faith means that a summer bout will not be possible as the 27-year-old will be fasting for Ramadan - which begins on June 7 this year - and will need time to prepare a full camp.
https://twitter.com/arielhelwani/status/721504008280621056
While it's admirable that Nurmagomedov is so devout in his faith that he may forgo a title shot in order to observe Ramadan, one person who is not so impressed is Conor McGregor's coach, John Kavanagh.
McGregor has made a name for himself as a regular fighter, taking on last-minute opponents in half of his eight UFC fights to date, and clearly Kavanagh was underwhelmed by Nurmagomedov's decision to put his faith over his career.
https://twitter.com/John_Kavanagh/status/721504547156463616
Unsurprisingly, the Nurmagomedov did not take this well.
https://twitter.com/TeamKhabib/status/722230850633510912
Kavanagh tried to keep things light, but Nurmagomedov was not interested.
https://twitter.com/John_Kavanagh/status/722233316745867264
https://twitter.com/TeamKhabib/status/722238661094412288
As most of us would do when presented with an angry Nurmagomedov, Kavanagh backed down and wished him well.
https://twitter.com/John_Kavanagh/status/722240346143485952
https://twitter.com/TeamKhabib/status/722242632106254338
And while Kavanagh apparently learned something new about discussing religion online, all we could think about is how great a Nurmagomedov vs McGregor fight would be.
https://twitter.com/John_Kavanagh/status/722456378778980352
