Khabib Nurmagomedov Feels He's 'Smashed Everyone,' Wants Title Shot

Khabib Nurmagomedov has carved a path of destruction through the competitive ranks of the UFC lightweight division.

Since joining the UFC in 2012, The Eagle has won all six of his showings with each of those victories coming in dominant or lopsided fashion. Along the way the 26-year-old Dagestan-born fighter has built a case for future title contention, as he's consistently dispatched higher-caliber competition with every progressive step.

His most recent victory came against resurgent veteran Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on Fox 11 back in April, in a fight where the AKA-trained fighter controlled the action from start to finish. His win over RDA in Orlando put Nurmagomedov within striking distance of a title shot, but circumstances would intervene and put his hopes on ice for the time being.

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With the lightweight strap tied up until champion Anthony Pettis and Gilbert Melendez handle their business at UFC 181 on Dec. 6, the real estate was there for the undefeated phenom to take another bout in the interim. He was briefly linked to a bout with hard-charging lightweight striker Donald Cerrone, but a knee injury suffered during training forced Nurmagomedov out of the tilt and to the sidelines to recover.

Yet, while he hasn't been able to participate, that hasn't stopped Nurmagomedov from keeping close tabs on the major players in the division. He knows there has been potential title talk thrown at the winners of the upcoming bouts between Donald Cerrone and Eddie Alvarez at this weekend's UFC 178 and Rafael dos Anjos and Nate Diaz at UFC on Fox 13 in December, and he doesn't agree with any of it.

Nurmagomedov spoke with Damon Martin of FoxSports.com on Thursday to voice his opinion on why Cerrone and Dos Anjos shouldn't even be in the conversation, and that the next shot at the lightweight title should belong to him. 

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Cowboy can shut up, you're not the lightweight contender. I am the next lightweight contender. You've lost many times in the UFC. I am undefeated in the UFC. If the UFC gives me the title shot you will have a new undefeated and undisputed lightweight champion.  23-0.

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Everyone says 'well if Rafael dos Anjos wins maybe he'll get a title shot', I smashed Rafael dos Anjos. Benson Henderson lost to Rafael dos Anjos. Eddie Alvarez is 0-0 in the UFC, if he wins he doesn't deserve a title shot. Donald Cerrone, he lost many times in the UFC. Nate Diaz in his last eight fights, he's 4-4. Gilbert Melendez is 1-1 in the UFC and the UFC has given him two title shots.  I am 6-0 (in the UFC) and 22-0.

You tell me that Anthony Pettis or Gilbert Melendez is ready to go by April or May and I'll be ready to go. Please give me my title shot, I deserve it. I smashed everybody. Now, I'm ready and I deserve my title shot.

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While Nurmagomedov certainly has a strong case for title contention, the path to the next championship opportunity isn't necessarily clear. There are a handful of potential contenders who could earn the next title shot—and with the exception of Nurmagomedov—all have bouts coming in the near future. In these situations it typically comes down to the fighter who has the most impressive showing and the fighter who gets the fans excited to watch them fight will generally get the title shot. 

Being on the sidelines for the rest of 2014 certainly won't help Nurmagomedov move up in the divisional rankings, but stirring the pot on public platforms and remaining visible during his recovery is a strong move for the undefeated prospect turned contender. He can't compete for several months, but Nurmagomedov can help himself by elevating his profile with the UFC fan base. And it looks like he's finding a rhythm in that particular category.

 

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.