Khabib Nurmagomedov explained why Georges St. Pierre is part of his new UFC contract at Wednesday’s UFC 242 press conference in London.
The UFC set off along the promotional trail to UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Kicking things off in London, England, the organization hosted a press conference featuring lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who headlines the card, and opponent Dustin Poirier, the promotion’s interim lightweight champ. Also on hand, UFC Senior Vice President, International and Content, David Shaw.
While most of the attention was paid to the upcoming bout between the two, and the UFC’s pending visit to Abu Dhabi, Nurmagomedov’s new UFC contract was also a topic of discussion. Mainly, a clause in said contract that allows him an option to fight Georges St. Pierre. The exact details of the clause are unknown — but would likely cover the financial terms any such fight would come under.
While St. Pierre is currently retired, he was pursuing a fight with Khabib before walking away from the sport. For his part, Nurmagomedov certainly seemed interested, and that remains the case today.
On Wednesday at the UFC 242 press conference, the champion explained the reasoning for having such a clause in his contract.
“Honestly I don’t know, I don’t know if he’s going to come back or not,” he said of the former welterweight and middleweight champion. “But if I want to make my legacy big, if I want to improve my legacy, I have to be tested, I have to beat Tony Ferguson and GSP. And then I can become pound-for-pound number one fighter. This is my opinion.”
Many fans would no doubt agree, although it’s hard to find fault with Khabib’s perfect 27-0 record. Still, a fight with Ferguson tops the list for many, and GSP might just be the ultimate superfight for ‘The Eagle.’
