At UFC 205 in 2016, Conor McGregor had the opportunity to compete for a light belt with Eddie Alvarez at the main event, while Khabib Nurmagomedov had to compete with Michael Johnson in a less attractive match. However, according to the recent revelation of the 'Russian Eagle', the UFC Organizing Committee forced Khabib to make room for Conor McGregor in the battle with Eddie Alvarez.
“They sent me a contract against Alvarez, the championship battle in Canada. I signed it. After that, they said that the match would take place at Madison Square Garden. I still signed and wondered why they sent me like two different contracts,” Khabib Nurmagomedov said. This legendary boxer was deceived to sign a contract with Michael Johnson. “I saw the media reported that McGregor was the one who fought against Alvarez. I was very angry,” he added.
Despite being frustrated by being tricked, Khabib still defeated Michael Johnson in the third round. According to the Russian boxer's disclosure, he was forced to do so because the reputation was far behind McGregor.
“I think they prank me. I sent a message to President Dana White with this content: 'Hey, I understand everything. The people who let McGregor fight this battle because he is more famous than me'. That time, I was a new soldier. I understand that they only use my name to stimulate others to sign contracts. I understand everything. Then I accept to find out what they have made. Khabib recounted.
Two years after this incident, Khabib defeated McGregor itself to become the absolute champion of UFC light. “Russian Eagle” had 2 more protection before retirement in October 2020.