Report: Khabib Nurmagomedov back for new title fight
We will finally see the UFC’s undefeated lightweight champion return for another fight! According to Brazilian outlet Combate, Khabib Nurmagomedov will return for a new fight, defending his title against Justin Gaethje on September 12th. The fight will take place at UFC 253, while the location has not yet been disclosed it is quite possible it goes down at Fight Island.
Originally Nurmagomedov was slated to defend his title against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, but the global pandemic put a halt to that bout.
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Nurmagomedov has reigned supreme atop the lightweight division since winning the title in 2018. Still undefeated with an impressive 28-0 record, he has defeated most of the lightweight division’s best. He mauled Michael Johnson, Rafael dos Anjos and Edson Barboza on his way to the top. Nurmagomedov won the title after defeating Al Iaquinta, and he then defended his title against arch rival Conor McGregor. In his last outing, Nurmagomedov dominated Dustin Poirier, winning via third round submission.
Gaethje is in his prime, and has never looked better. While always an exciting, fan-friendly fighter, he has also taken a lot of damage over the years, and that style lost him important fights. He has currently made some fight-altering adjustments, and currently rides a four fight winning streak including wins over Barboza and Donald Cerrone. Gaethje replaced Nurmagomedov at UFC 249, defeating Ferguson and winning the interim title.
