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Khabib Nurmagomedov Is '80% Sure' Next Fight Will Be In Russia

Khabib Nurmagomedov Is '80% Sure' Next Fight Will Be In Russia

The lightweight champion has his eyes on one of two outdoor arenas as he plans a huge UFC homecoming, but who will he face?

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Khabib Nurmagomedov has all but confirmed his next UFC fight will be in Russia and he wants a huge homecoming in a stadium with a roof.

The UFC lightweight champion is still the talk of the sport after beating Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 and everyone wants to know who he'll fight next.

Whilst that is yet to be confirmed Khabib confirmed that the next fight is likely to be in Russia at a football stadium, with the Eagle telling Russia's Channel 1, "Negotiations are continuing with the UFC. I really want to fight in Russia," the 30-year-old said.

"In St. Petersburg there's a closed arena [Gazprom Arena].

"In Moscow, Luzhniki Stadium is open... I was there at the [football] World Cup final when it rained, if that kind of rain happened it would ruin an [MMA] event.

"In St. Petersburg the stadium seats 75,000 people, I could fight there. In a small arena it wouldn't work.

"I really want to fight here, talks are continuing, I'm about 80 percent sure my next fight will be in Russia."

Imagine the scenes if Khabib fought here. Image: PA Images
Imagine the scenes if Khabib fought here. Image: PA Images

The Gazprom Arena, which is home to Zenit St Petersburg, held 64,468 spectators for the football World Cup in Russia last summer but that would be increased for UFC, with fans ringside on the pitch area.

England played Belgium in the third place play-off in the 'Gazprom' last summer, with Belgium winning the match 2-0 having lost their semi-final to France there.

The stadium is also due to play host to four games at next summer's Euros, three Group B games and the first quarter final.

Asked about talking to Dana White about his next fight being in his home country the 30-year-old said, "I don't want to put pressure on [Dana White]. I can only give him advice.

"He sees the ratings himself, on Channel 1 [in Russia], from UFC 242, not only in Russia but around the world. I want to fight in front of the fans here."

Khabib and McGregor face-to-face. Image: PA Images
Khabib and McGregor face-to-face. Image: PA Images

Khabib has been linked with fights against Tony Ferguson, Georges St Pierre, Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor for his next title defence.

As yet there's no confirmation when, who or where Khabib will fight next but you can imagine the atmosphere if the next one is in Russia.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, Dustin Poirier, UFC 242, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, Tony Ferguson, MMA, GSP, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, Dustin Poirier, UFC 242, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, Tony Ferguson, MMA, GSP

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28