Nurmagomedov: I’m going to make Conor humble, wait in line

The UFC is giving every indication that lightweight champion Conor McGregor will again be stripped of his belt before he ever defends it. If that happens, Khabib Nurmagomedov will challenge Tony Ferguson at UFC 223 on April 7 not for the latter’s interim belt, but for the real thing.

During a recent appearance on the MetroPCS UFC 220 Livestream, Nurmagomedov said that if that comes to pass and he wins, McGregor is going to have to wait his turn.

I’m gonna make humble Conor, said Nurmagomedov, as transcribed by Jed Meshew for MMA Fighting. I’m gonna beat Tony and I’m gonna say to Conor, ‘Hey, you have to go into the line,’ because you have to deserve this. He has only one fight at 155. I am 25-0 at 155. Undefeated. Undisputed. I’m going to take this belt, and we’ll see what happens.

Fighters try to make money with Conor but I’m not in this sport to make money. I can make money with other stuff in Russia, like a lot of money. I come here to make history, for my legacy.

I have a tough opponent. Tony Ferguson, for my opinion, he’s real champ, and I’m gonna smash this guy. This is my plan. I’m going to smash this guy, make this guy humble too because he’s a little bit stupid. He’s tough opponent, very good fighter, but personality, I don’t like him.

I have to come to show [with] no injuries, make weight, and that’s it. Somebody has to close us inside the cage and that’s it. I’m gonna beat him everywhere. My grappling is a different level than him. He thinks he’s grappling with Eddie Bravo and he’s good on the ground but I’m gonna show him.

For the record, UFC president Dana White says whenever McGregor returns, if he returns, he would get a title shot. But Nurmagomedov’s Iron Sheik schtick is still fun.

Nurmagomedov fights Ferguson at UFC 223 on April 7 at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York.