Khabib Nurmagomedov says he is open to a fight with boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather – but only he if agrees to one unusual stipulation.
Speculation has been rife as to who Mayweather could face after he hinted at making a return to boxing in 2020, and it now seems Khabib could be willing to stand up to the challenge.
The 31-year-old, who first looks set for a huge fight with Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 on April 18, has said he is open to the Mayweather bout, but only if he agrees to a twist.
“If you want to fight, come to the UFC,” Nurmagomedov said, as per MMAMania. “This is a real fight. I’m not boxer, I’m not just a wrestler, I am an MMA fighter.
“If interested, maybe we can make something like - my father talked about this before - like maybe 11 rounds boxing, one round MMA. Like 11 rounds three-minute box. And the last round five minutes MMA - if he makes this deal, I can fight.”
Mayweather famously stopped Conor McGregor in the 10th round of their money-spinning showdown in 2017, but in truth, it was a one-sided affair from the very get-go, with 'Money' controlling the bout with relative ease.
However, Khabib predicts a whole different story should the 43-year-old ever step in the ring with him.
“I don’t think he can knock me out in 11 rounds. And what’s he going to do last round? Five minutes with me, I’m going to take him down, I’m going to maul this guy. What’s he going to do?”
“You know, of course in boxing he’s very good, I agree with you. But I don’t think he can knock me out.”