Khabib Nurmagomedov: Georges St-Pierre reveals why he won't fight the UFC LW champ
GEORGES ST-PIERRE doesn't have any intention of locking horns with Khabib Nurmagomedov in the near future.
Dagestan native Nurmagomedov called out the future UFC Hall of Famer last month after claiming the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 223.
“Georges St-Pierre said one time, ‘If you’re a black belt, you have to say in your mind [that you’re a] white belt,” ‘The Eagle’ said.
“But now, I want to fight Georges St-Pierre in New York, maybe Madison Square Garden, November.”
St-Pierre immediately poured cold water on a potential fight with the undefeated Nurmagomedov, much to the disappoint of many.
The prospect of fighting Nurmagomedov was put to the Canadian again last week and he was quick to double down on his stance.
But this time, he cited his ongoing health issues as the reason why he won’t lock horns with the 29-year-old anytime soon.
"Khabib called me out after his last fight and he's an amazing fighter, but I just feel like if I stepped in right now, it would be damageable to my health," St-Pierre told ESPN.
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I just feel like if I stepped in right now, it would be damageable to my health
"The 155-pound division has a lot of contenders that deserve a title shot. I have health issues to take care of first.”
St-Pierre is keen to get his hands on the lightweight title, an achievement he believes will add to his legacy.
He added: “If I was successful [in winning the lightweight title], I would be the only athlete in the sport to win three titles.
“It's never been done before. Legacy-wise, it would be huge.
“Money-wise, it would be huge as well. It would be much more advantageous than fighting Nate Diaz."
St-Pierre, 37, hasn't set foot inside the Octagon since his UFC 217 victory over Michael Bisping, a triumph which saw him claim the middleweight title.
His reign at the summit of the division ended a mere 31 days after his historic victory at Madison Square Garden when he vacated the belt, a decision he made due to his ongoing bout of ulcerative colitis.