At UFC 226, Khabib Nurmagomedov solidified his hold on the lightweight title, submitting former champion Conor McGregor with a fourth-round neck crank. It had been a dominant performance from Nurmagomedov before then, with Khabib controlling McGregor on the ground for long stretches and even dropping the renowned boxer with an overhand right. But despite the dominant performance from Nurmagomedov, his head coach still believes McGregor poses the greatest threat to Khabib’s title reign.

Speaking with SportsDaily.ru recently, Javier Mendez discussed some of the potential future opponents for Khabib, ranking them by level of danger, and atop the list was none other than Conor McGregor.

“Talking about four potential rivals for Khabib I can give my assessment from the [least] dangerous to the most dangerous,” Mendez said. (h/t MMA News). “Max Holloway [would] be the easiest for Khabib. Max has good boxing but it lacks the power to the lightweight division. Next on the list is Dustin Poirier. He’s got stamina and versatility. Tony Ferguson is my second choice. His elbows are very dangerous. And finally [the] number one contender for me is still Conor. His boxing is special, that’s his chance.”

It’s easy to see why Mendez would be so confident in his charge. Nurmagomedov has been on a tear through the lightweight division, amassing a 27-0 record and looking unbeatable for most of his bouts. It does pay short shrift to Nurmagomedov’s next opponent though.

Next up for Nurmagomedov is a lightweight title unification bout against Dustin Poirier, who won an interim title with a unanimous decision over Max Holloway at UFC 236. That bout is rumored to be in the works for UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi where the UFC recently announced a five-year partnership. After that though, Khabib’s schedule is open and McGregor could get plugged back into a title shot. After all, they certainly don’t lack the background to build up the rematch.

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MUST-READ STORIES

Results. Rafael dos Anjos submitted Kevin Lee at UFC Rochester.

Results. Roberto Soldic, Scott Askham score devastating knockout finishes at KSW 49.

Hall of Fame. Rashad Evans to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame.

Relief. Rafael dos Anjos calls Kevin Lee win ‘a big weight’ off his back.

Hand. Tyron Woodley details the hand injury that forced him out of UFC Minneapolis.

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VIDEO STEW

Rashad Evans to the UFC Hall of Fame.

UFC 238.

KSW 49 highlights.

Behind Bellator 221 with Douglas Lima.

Everybody wants some of Robbie Lawler.

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LISTEN UP

SBN Post-fight Show. Immediate post-fight reaction to UFC Rochester.

Severe MMA. Discussing UFC Rochester, KSW 49, Frankie’s title shot, and Rashad Evans.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Statement.

Statement.

Ouch.

Support.

Fight.

Jon is mad.

Conor.

Izzy.

Poirier getting the key to the city.

Everyone wants a piece of Lawler.

Ubereem.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Robson Gracie (1-0) vs. Oscar Vera (0-0); Bellator 222, June 14.

Gillian Robertson (6-3) vs. Sarah Frota (9-1); UFC 240, July 27.

Rogerio Bontorin (15-1, 1 NC) vs. Raulian Paiva (18-2); UFC Uruguay, August 10.

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TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2016: Rafael Carvalho won a split decision over Melvin Manhoef to retain his middleweight title at Bellator 155.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

With Woodley being forced out of the Lawler fight, now is the time for Woodley vs. RDA (or, when Woodley is healthy is the time).

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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