We’re all very used to Conor McGregor holding matters up.
Whether it’s press conferences or title pictures, ‘The Notorious’ is, well, notorious for delaying proceedings.
It seems that he’s currently holding up two weight divisions as he considers whether he wants to return to featherweight to defend his title or take a stab at Eddie Alvarez’s 155lb belt.
It means that fights cannot be booked for Alvarez and interim 145lb champion Jose Aldo until McGregor makes up his mind and it must be dreadfully frustrating for top contenders in both weight classes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is certainly in that category as he awaits a title shot at lightweight.
The undefeated Russian enjoyed a successful comeback from his most recent injury when he trounced late stand-in and promotional newcomer Darrell Horcher in April.
His perfect record leads many to believe that Nurmagomedov is the uncrowned king at lightweight but he may miss out on the next title shot if Mr McGregor fancies it.
Talk is rife that the UFC is looking at McGregor vs. Alvarez as a potential headliner for UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden.
And if that is the case, and Nurmagomedov is overlooked for the title bout, then he wants to take on Donald Cerrone.
Cerrone was scheduled to clash with former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in New York, in what would be one of the most fan friendly stylistic match-ups in UFC history.
The bout agreement was signed by both men but Lawler has since withdrawn from the fight, freeing up a slot opposite ‘Cowboy’.
And whether it’s at lightweight or welterweight, Nurmagomedov wants that fight.
Hi @danawhite give me title fight or give me the cowboy sitting next to you 155 or 170 I'm the game
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 11, 2016
Team Nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) tells me now that if they don't get the title shot they would love to fight @Cowboycerrone @ 155 or 170 next
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 11, 2016
We wouldn’t be angry to see it booked.
