The mixed martial arts (MMA) community was critical of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who failed to murder Al Iaquinta in the UFC 223 pay-per-view (PPV) main event and had to instead settle for a measly blowout on all three scorecards.

Slacker.

Fortunately for “The Eagle,” last weekend’s title-winning performance in Brooklyn (see it) didn't seem to rattle the oddsmakers, who set opening lines for potential Conor McBusbreaker and Tony Ferguson fights, with “The Eagle” favored in both prospective title defenses.

From The Odessa Line, per MMA Junkie:

Khabib Nurmagomedov -165 (1.61)

Conor McGregor +135 (2.35) Khabib Nurmagomedov -200 (1.5)

Tony Ferguson +165 (2.65)

Sound familiar? It should.

Nurmagomedov will likely return to action in late summer or early fall, which puts him in line for title defenses against either McGregor or interim champion Ferguson. It would seem “Notorious” is the more likely option, based on the marketability of their chicken fight.

And the questionable timeline of “El Cucuy’s” return from injury.