Henry Cejudo suggests Khabib Nurmagomedov could prevent Makhachev vs. Topuria from happening

Henry Cejudo believes UFC Corridor of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov might get in the way in which of Islam Makhachev defending his light-weight title towards Ilia Topuria.

In a chat with Cejudo this previous December, Nurmagomedov stated he’d be towards Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) getting an instantaneous shot at Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) and his belt.

“I bear in mind speaking to Khabib, and Khabib stated it’s not truthful for Ilia to skip the road and go after the title shot with Islam as a result of that’s all Islam’s been doing,” Cejudo informed MMA Junkie. “He gave Volkanovski a pair (title photographs) the place he’s gone up. So I don’t even assume it’s going to be Islam’s alternative. I feel Khabib goes to step in and be like, ‘He must combat the No. 1 contender.’”

Though Topuria just lately revealed that the UFC promised him an instantaneous light-weight title shot after he opted to vacate his featherweight title, Cejudo thinks Nurmagomedov’s stipulation might be put into play.

“Khabib stated if Ilia does beat a No. 1 contender then positive, we’ll try this,” Cejudo stated. “I personally assume that Islam will combat anyone, anytime, wherever. There’s a quote on him on the PI that claims that, however I feel that the individual that’s extra probably going to play backup goes to be Khabib Nurmagomedov. He’s going to say no, so for that cause, I’m guessing it’s going to be Justin Gaethje vs. Islam Makhachev, Worldwide Battle Week.”

As for Topuria, Cejudo sees him combating one of many division’s staples.

“They may in all probability give Ilia Dustin Poirier in Louisiana,” Cejudo stated. “As a result of I’m pondering Charles doesn’t need to combat Ilia Topuria, he says ‘I’ll combat him after I’m champ.’ So, I don’t understand how a lot pull he has there, but when a fighter is saying he received’t combat anyone for that title shot as a result of he already did get that chance and he misplaced, he doesn’t have leverage. The UFC will simply shelf you. So, I can see Ilia Topuria vs. Dustin Poirier.”