Khabib Nurmagomedov Wants Title Shot, Calls Conor McGregor A ‘Chicken’
NEW YORK — Khabib Nurmagomedov feels like it’s time to get a shot at the belt.
The Russian lightweight defeated Michael Johnson via submission in the third round at UFC 205 on Saturday night to improve to 24-0 in MMA, and he made the most of his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan by asking the UFC for a shot at the title belt and ripping Conor McGregor and his fans.
“I want to stay humble, but I have to talk,” Nurmagomedov said. “Ireland only has six million people. Russia has 150 million. I want to fight your chicken. Let’s go! Let’s go!”
The Dagestani Cowboy wasn’t done there.
Khabib says UFC PR machine is crazy. Guy taps at start of year, fights for title end of year. Calls Conor a chicken. Drowned in boos.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 13, 2016
Khabib tells Rogan that he's an anlayst so he needs to tell the UFC he deserves the title shot. Let's go, chicken he yells.
— Heidi Fang (@HeidiFang) November 13, 2016
Nurmagomedov was absolutely dominant in his victory over Johnson. According to Fight Metric, he had 94 significant strikes in the fight — 75 more than Johnson, who looked overwhelmed throughout much of the fight.
Nurmagomedov was upset when McGregor was awarded the title shot against Eddie Alvarez, and it’s no surprise he was uncharacteristically vocal following his win.
We already knew this. Khabib nailed it. Gotta play the game. https://t.co/vga8ydKbjX
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 13, 2016
Khabib hopes his shining moment under the bright lights of New York both during and after his fight will translate to a title shot in the near future.
Thumbnail photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
