Khabib ‘evicts’ Michael Chandler from UFC Fight Island and claims only fight he wants is St-Pierre – dismissing McGregor
KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has told Michael Chandler to ‘go home’ after he was hired as back-up for Saturday’s fight with Justin Gaethje.
The UFC Lightweight belt is on the line in Abu Dhabi as Khabib attempts to win his 29th professional fight.
Ahead of the contest, 34-year-old Chandler has hopped over from Bellator to wait in reserve.
But Khabib, 32, believes the American is simply not good enough to compete for this championship.
He told TSN: “I don’t even need to use my wrestling against Michael Chandler.
“I know he came here to Abu Dhabi, but he’s going to come here, make weight and go home.
“Thank you, Michael Chandler. Go home and fight with other fighters. He is not a high level championship fighter in UFC.
“Two fights ago, he lost in Bellator and he has to show he can fight for the title, and fight with someone for a tough fight in UFC.
“And then we can talk about it.”
Russian brawler Khabib is thought to be nearing the end of his incredible UFC career.
If he can beat Gaethje this weekend, a potential final bout will pull into a view – with the aim of completing a 30-0 career record.
While Conor McGregor has been discussed as an opponent, Khabib is clear that he wants to fight UFC legend Georges St-Pierre.
The Canadian, 39, has only fought once in seven years and would need to move down in weight class to face the Lightweight king.
But Khabib is intent on facing his hero – once Gaethje is disposed of.
He continued: “I really want to fight with Georges, he is a great opponent. When I think about fighting him, it excites me.
“He’s one of the guys, when I grew up, I always watched. He’s the greatest fighter in UFC history.
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“I don’t know about his plan but my plan is Saturday against Justin Gaethje and, on Tuesday when UFC release their rankings, I want to be pound-for-pound No1 fighter.”
The prospect of a fight with McGregor or Dustin Poirier, who duel in January, is also not on Khabib’s mind.
When asked about the Irishman by ESPN, he drolly replied: “Right now, I don’t even want to talk about this s***.”