Khabib Nurmagomedov has gone 6-0 since coming to the UFC, running his career mark to an outstanding 22-0. That is good enough for some to claim that it’s time for Nurmagomedov to receive a title shot. Others think he needs one more fight against a top five or so level talent before he should be considered “ready” for a shot at the lightweight belt.
A devout Muslim, Nurmagomedov will fast from June 28 to July 28, and he is eyeing the beginning of September as an appropriate time for him to get the “one more fight” to put him in line for the title shot:
“The beginning of September would be just perfect for me,” says Nurmagomedov. “I need 40 days after Ramadan to prepare for a fight. I keep myself in shape during Ramadan but of course I can’t train enough. I was offered a fight right at the end of Ramadan but it’s a bad timing for me as I’ll be starving for one month. The end of August, beginning of September will be fine.”
Sitting at No. 4 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings, Nurmagomedov believes he’s just a fight away from a title shot.
“I need another fight before I can fight for the belt. [Gilbert] Melendez is fighting [Anthony] Pettis so the next fight for a champion will happen in May [2015] or so. I can’t wait that long. I need another fight before the end of 2014. If Allah gives me a victory then I’ll wait for a title fight.