UFC 205: Khabib Nurmagomedov says rankings are ‘bulls**t’ and says UFC is ‘no more (a) sport’
Disillusioned Russian lightweight contender lays out his frustrations with the UFC ahead of his bout with Michael Johnson at UFC 205 in New York City
RUSSIAN lightweight star Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to action at UFC 205 on Saturday night with a sizeable chip on his shoulder.
And he’s looking to make a big statement against Michael Johnson and make his claim for a title shot so strong the UFC has no option but to book the fight.
Talking to SunSport at the UFC 205 Ultimate Media Day at Madison Square Garden in New York, he said he deserved a title shot.
"Of course I think about this. I think I deserve this,” he said.
“Twenty-four (fight) win streak? Why not? Why do I need other fights?”
"I’m on the top now. Why do I need to take other fights? For what?
"I have to beat this guy (Johnson) and fight for the title."
Nurmagomedov was the consensus number-one contender in the 155lb division, but while he has spent an extended period on the sidelines through injury, American Tony Ferguson has surged into a top contender position.
And El Cucuy's win over former champ Rafael dos Anjos last weekend led many pundits to rank him above the injury-hit Russian.
"I think I agree with the rankings. But the rankings are bulls**t,” he said.
"Because I’m number one ranked and the UFC don’t give me the title shot.
"UFC give (the shot to) number two, and maybe after this fight the UFC do this decision (again) and give it to number two, or maybe I jump back to number-one contender (again). Nobody knows."
And when asked how he’d react if McGregor dethroned Alvarez and ended up being matched in a third fight with Nate Diaz, the Russian star puffed out his cheeks.
"I don’t know. I’m tired about this,” he shrugged.
“All the time the UFC make money decisions. They’re not true decisions, they’re money decisions. This is no more (a) sport, this is business.
"When I came into the UFC first time, when I signed in 2012 it was still sports.
"I don’t think this is no more (a) sport. This is business.”
But despite his clear frustration with the UFC, Nurmagomedov says he can’t wait to compete in the Mecca of combat sports, Madison Square Garden, this weekend.
"Saturday is a big fight for me,” he said.
"My dream has come true, I’m in Madison Square Garden. I’m very excited.”
