UFC 223: Khabib Nurmagomedov to face Al Iaquinta for lightweight title
After all the unexpected events that have occurred in recent days, Khabib Nurmagomedov will finally be able to fight for the lightweight title on Saturday in New York.
Due to the unexpected withdrawal of Max Holloway, who did not receive medical clearance due to weight cut issues, the UFC confirmed that the new opponent for Khabib Nurmagomedov would be none other than Al Iaquinta.
It is worth mentioning that only Khabib Nurmagomedov can become the lightweight champion of the UFC if he wins, as Al Iaquinta exceeded the required weight for a title fight by a few grams.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has an unbeaten record of 25 wins, was initially scheduled to face Tony Ferguson, but the interim champion suffered a knee ligament injury. There was even talk of a potential fight against Anthony Pettis, but no agreement could be reached with 'Showtime'.
Ranked number 11 in the UFC lightweight division, Al Iaquinta has won his last five fights, including notable victories over Jorge Masvidal, Kevin Lee, and Diego Sanchez. This Saturday, the New York-born fighter will compete in the most important fight of his life against one of the planet's most formidable fighters.
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