Nurmagomedov willing to fight Ferguson for interim title until McGregor returns

Khabib Nurmagomedov's path to the UFC lightweight title doesn't have to go through Conor McGregor, at least for now.

After dismantling Michael Johnson at UFC 205, "The Eagle" told the Russian media on Wednesday that if the reigning dual-division champion is indeed out of commission until May, he'd be willing to fight fellow top contender Tony Ferguson for an interim divisional title.

"Now I just want to go underground and take a break for a month and a half," Nurmagomedov said, according to Bloody Elbow's Karim Zidan. "Not from training and from the media, just the media, I'm tired. And in terms of plans in the UFC, there are two: an interim title fight with Tony Ferguson, or fight for a real belt against Conor McGregor."

The compromise comes after the undefeated Nurmagomedov had a title shot briefly dangled in front of him in what has since been widely deemed a negotiation tactic to secure McGregor versus Alvarez for the November event. The snub first prompted threats he'd leave the promotion if spurned again, then trash talk aimed at president Dana White and McGregor during his beatdown of Johnson.

The pragmatist in Nurmagomedov has since taken over, as several dates with the streaking Ferguson have fallen through due to injury and McGregor - in addition to keeping his own counsel - is months away from fatherhood.

"Of course, I would like the second option (McGregor), but am inclined to think that they want to set me up with Ferguson. Well, I'll take the fight."