The latest word on lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez’s first title defense is that he’s still on course to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov, but it’s no longer UFC 205 in New York City on November 12th that’s been targeted for the showdown.
Alvarez had been holding out for a money-spinning fight with Conor McGregor at Madison Square Garden, but the UFC had other plans for him, and after missing a deadline to agree to the Nurmagomedov fight at UFC 205, he’s now been sent a new bout agreement for UFC 206 in Toronto on December 11th instead.
It’s a tough spot for Alvarez, having seemingly been close to a dream fight with McGregor, which would likely have made him an instant millionaire based on the Irishman’s recent pay-per-view numbers.
Nurmagomedov just doesn’t have that drawing power, and on top of that he’s probably the most feared fighter in the division, with a perfect 23-0 record, including seven wins inside the Octagon.
Adding to his woes, his hesitation to sign on the dotted line may have hit him in the pocket again, as UFC 205 is still expected to be a marquee show for the promotion given that it’ll be their first ever event in NYC and features a star studded line-up.
The same can’t be said for UFC 206 which will likely have a considerably lower PPV buy rate, unless the promotion are able to reach terms with Canadian superstar Georges St. Pierre in time to have him headline the show.
However, at the moment the UFC appear to be playing down the idea that GSP will return in Toronto, so Alvarez Vs Nurmagomedov could be the headliner that night.
As for UFC 205, the mystery continues as to what will emerge as the main event for that show, though if they don’t have another big fight up their sleeve then it could be that they just go with the already booked welterweight title bout between Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson.
