Dana White: Conor McGregor could face Khabib Nurmagomedov in first lightweight title defense

With UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor set to take some time away from the octagon to begin 2017, there hasn’t been much talk of who he could fight next following his title-winning knockout of Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in November.

UFC President Dana White recently dropped the first hint, though, telling FOX5 in New York that undefeated contender Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) could challenge McGregor (21-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in his first title defense.

The UFC apparently is working hard to set up its first event in Russia, and Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly a significant part of those plans. White said that could play in his favor in terms of getting a future title shot against “The Notorious.”

“We’re focused very heavily on Russia right now,” White said. “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.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov, No. 2 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings, is coming off a third-round submission of Michael Johnson at UFC 205. He called McGregor out afterward, but since has been pursuing a matchup with No. 3-ranked Tony Ferguson (22-3 MMA, 12-1 UFC).

There are ongoing discussions of Nurmagomedov and Ferguson fighting for an interim lightweight title in McGregor’s absence, but nothing has been made official at this point.

No. 1-ranked McGregor hasn’t said exactly when he will return to the octagon, but it likely won’t be until after his girlfriend gives birth to their first child, who is due in May. Moreover, McGregor recently said he’s not going to take another fight until he gets a face-to-face meeting with new UFC owners Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.