Undefeated UFC lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov wants a shot at Conor McGregor.
Brett Okamoto of ESPN.com noted on Wednesday the 24-0 fighter has campaigned for a chance at a title belt throughout the year "and was even seen demanding it from UFC President Dana White" while he was dominating Michael Johnson at UFC 205 on Nov. 12.
Nurmagomedov posted a screenshot on Wednesday of his attempt to reach McGregor via Twitter's direct messaging feature and said, "I am old school and try to do this man to man but the he don't want anything to do with a real man. Time to move on:"
I am old school and try to do this man to man but the he don't want anything to do with a real man. Time to move on @danawhite @seanshelby pic.twitter.com/ilAL4yM6O7
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 23, 2016
It wasn't the first time Nurmagomedov made his desire to fight McGregor clear on Twitter:
You Don't have to love me but you need to respect me. 24-0. Conor I know you are loosing sleep already @danawhite
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 15, 2016
I want to fight for @ufc title for respect but if I don't get my title shot next I have different plan I won't be fighting in UFC @danawhite
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 16, 2016
However, Okamoto said McGregor didn't appear particularly keen about the potential showdown and even called Nurmagomedov a "consistent pull-out merchant" after the lightweight missed the 2015 campaign because of injuries.
McGregor is coming off a victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 and didn't seem too concerned with Nurmagomedov or any other challenger when he tweeted on Wednesday:
Hello id like to order some competition please I don't have any pic.twitter.com/cocgW4uwsb
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 23, 2016
Nurmagomedov took full advantage of his appearance on UFC 205 with a win over Johnson, but he also said he was on the preliminary card instead of the main fight because the UFC has "to take care of Conor" while speaking with RT Sport (h/t Jed Meshew of MMA Fighting).
Despite his frustration with a lack of promotion, Nurmagomedov is 8-0 in the UFC and among those who could face McGregor when the latter returns to the Octagon. Okamoto also listed lightweight Nate Diaz and welterweight champion Tyron Woodley as possible opponents.
