By: Nikhil Chauhan Image credit: UFC
There’s no denying Khabib Nurmagomedov will go down as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. 29-0, Nurmagomedov’s MMA record will likely remain untouched for years to come.
Having faced the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Rafael dos Anjos among others, Nurmagomedov competed against the absolute elites of his division.
However, there were still some fights that always eluded the Eagle. For one reason or another, Khabib Nurmagomedov could never face these fighters inside the UFC Octagon. Let’s check it out.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was scheduled to take on Gilbert Melendez back at UFC 170 back in 2014. The promotion did not reveal any reason for the cancellation, but it was understood that Melendez pulled out of the fight.
Dana White confirmed that UFC wanted to book Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Nate Diaz. However, the match-up never capitalized after White revealed that Nate Diaz did not accept the fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Donald Cerrone were scheduled to fight each other on two occasions. Once at UFC 178 and then at UFC 187. Both times, Nurmagomedov pulled out of the fight due to a recurring knee injury.
The Eagle was initially scheduled to take on Eddie Alvarez for the UFC Lightweight title at UFC 205 or UFC 206. However, Alvarez vs Nurmagomedov could never take place. Reason? Conor McGregor.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was all set to face Max Holloway at 223. The duo even had a pre-fight press conference. Be that as it may, it all fell apart after NYSAC declared Holloway unfit to compete due to extreme weight-cutting.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson is a fight that arguably every fight fan wanted to see. Despite getting booked a record four times, the fight was called off for one reason or the other. Which match-up did were you excited about the most?
5 UFC Fights That Were Booked But Never Happened. Check them out! Swipe up!