Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs Justin Gaethje Is Currently In The Works For UFC 253

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title could go ahead at UFC 253 in September with UFC reportedly in negotiations with the pair.

Gaethje became interim lightweight champion at UFC 249 when he defeated Tony Ferguson to set up an undisputed title showdown with Khabib.

Raphael Marinho has reported that UFC are currently negotiating with both fighters and their eyes are set on the September 19 show.

A venue is currently unknown at this stage but the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas and the recently announced 'Fight Island' are likely candidates.

Khabib has ruled over the lightweight division since capturing the title back in April 2018.

His UFC record currently stands at 28-0-0 with his last victory coming over Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in September.

Gaethje, meanwhile, was drafted in to take Khabib's place against Ferguson at UFC 249 in May after the Russian was stranded in his homeland due to the coronavirus outbreak.

'The Highlight' dominated Ferguson in their clash and secured victory in the fifth round.

PA

Khabib has been vocal about wanting to face Ferguson in the past and teammate Zubaira Tukhugov recently revealed 'The Eagle' was 'supporting' Ferguson.

"Of course, I was sad about how it went. I was watching it live after the 3rd round I texted Khabib," Tukhugov said.

"I wrote him: 'Do you think can Ferguson win?' He said: 'I don't know but we're supporting Ferguson, we need him.'

"So, we all were rooting for Ferguson that night.

"I think he could've won the fight if he didn't cut weight twice. He acts crazy sometimes. I don't know why he wants to show off, he is on 12 fight win streak, he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. A fighter on his level shouldn't be making mistakes like that.

"I didn't expect a performance like that from Gaethje. I thought he'll get tired, but he didn't. He was in great shape."

Are you excited for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje?

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Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, UFC 253, UFC, MMA

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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