MELBOURNE, Australia – It appears the UFC will attempt a fifth booking of the matchup between lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.

With much speculation about what will be next for Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC), who is currently serving a nine-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his role in the infamous post-fight melee after he beat Conor McGregor (21-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) at UFC 229 in October, UFC President Dana White has provided a touch of clarity.

Although Nurmagomedov is eligible to return to return as soon as April, he’s apparently unwilling to produce the anti-bullying PSA required by the NSAC to reduce his suspension. Moreover, “The Eagle” has indicated he won’t compete until the one-year suspensions issued to his teammate for their roles in the brawl are complete in October.

White said that’s all hearsay from his perspective, though. He claims he’s yet to be directly informed of Nurmagomedov’s plans.

“I hear these things, but Khabib hasn’t told me that (he’s going to sit out),” White told MMAjunkie following the UFC 234 pre-fight press conference in Australia. “I hear these things in the media and things like that. I haven’t heard it from Khabib, so when we talk, we’ll figure it out and we’ll see what happens.”

Nurmagomedov recently said that in his absence he expects the UFC to book an interim title fight in the lightweight division. He suggested a matchup between Ferguson (24-3 MMA, 14-1 UFC), who has already won an interim belt once before, and Dustin Poirier (24-5 MMA, 16-4 UFC).

White said he is working on getting Poirier “back in there” soon, but as far as Ferguson goes, he thinks he’s the top choice to match up with Nurmagomedov.

Despite the fact Nurmagomedov and Ferguson have had fights called off in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the UFC boss said it’s hard to think of a more worthwhile fight for the belt.

“Of course Tony deserves it,” White said. “He’s the No. 1 contender. He’s the guy. That’s the fight.”

For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

Gallery Photos: Best of Khabib Nurmagomedov view 32 images

Gallery Photos: Best of Tony Ferguson view 33 images

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