Khabib Nurmagomedov takes on Edson Barboza this weekend at UFC 219 in what promises to be a cracking lightweight bout. 

Much of the talk in the buildup to this showdown is surrounding Khabib’s weight.

The last time ‘The Eagle’ was scheduled to fight was back at UFC 209 in March against Tony Ferguson when he was forced to withdraw due to a weight-cutting issue which saw him hospitalised.

Since that cruel struggle to trim down to 155-lbs there has been widespread speculation that the Russian has physically outgrown the lightweight weight-class and would be unable to make the limit ever again.

Well, that was proven to be untrue when his next bout was signed for the very same division. Nurmagomedov has been open about his ambition to rule the lightweight division, claim the title and retire undefeated for some time.

Thankfully, it appears as though there will be no drama this fight week regarding the weight issues of the undefeated American Kickboxing Academy Gym fighter. His nutritionist has tweeted a positive update on his the cut down to the 155-lbs limit is going.

🦅 The UFC wants fighters no higher than 10% of their weight class on arrival. Two meals and a lot of water later, @TeamKhabib weighs in more than a pound UNDER. Sorry haters… 🦅 #nutritionist #lockhartandleith #khabibnurmagomedov #ufc219 pic.twitter.com/AksT9X7hhA

— Tyler Melee Minton (@TheMeleeWay) December 26, 2017

Another late pullout would really dent Khabib’s chances of progressing into the picture for a shot at Conor McGregor’s belt. A win over Barboza on Saturday night, however, would see Nurmagomedov next in line for a crack at Conor, who must either fight interim-champ Tony Ferguson in a title unification bout or relinquish the strap.

 

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