McGregor vs. Khabib Possible for Russia

When Conor McGregor was awarded a lightweight championship bout against Eddie Alvarez at Madison Square Garden, Khabib Nurmagomedov went off against the UFC. He threatened to show his true power – saying if he didn’t get a title shot, he would not only leave the UFC, but the promotion could kiss its chances of a future event in Russia goodbye.

With Nurmagomedov’s win at UFC 205 over Michael Johnson, as well as Tony Ferguson’s win the week before over former champion Rafael dos Anjos, some feel that the two may end up fighting in an interim lightweight title bout to see who gets the next shot at McGregor. But now, UFC President Dana White has hinted those plans are not 100 percent.

White said there is also a chance that Nurmagomedov may get his demanded title shot right away, with a bout against McGregor in Russia.

"We’re focused very heavily on Russia right now," White told the New York FOX affiliate. "First of all, there’s tons of talent coming out of Russia, and a lot of fans. There’s a fighter named Khabib who’s from Russia, and he’s insanely popular. The next fight could be Conor vs. Khabib."