Khabib Nurmagomedov focuses on opponent in UFC on Fox 19

Undefeated Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov understands fans wanted to see him take on a fellow contender tonight when he finally returns after two years out of action because of a series of knee injuries.

He wanted it just as badly.

Instead, Nurmagomedov will fight newcomer Darrell Horcher on the main card of UFC on Fox 19 on Saturday in Tampa, Florida.

Horcher was signed as a late-notice replacement for top contender Tony Ferguson, who was slated to face Nurmagomedov in the main event. Nurmagomedov, who last competed in a unanimous decision victory over now-champion Rafael dos Anjos in April 2014, said he just couldn’t wait any longer to make his return.

“I’ve been training for four months,” he said during open media workouts Thursday. “I can’t wait two more months. I had a lot of upset fans. I had to come back against somebody.”

Ferguson requested the fight be moved back two months to allow him to deal with fluid and blood buildup on his lungs. Nurmagomedov pleaded with other contenders to accept the fight on less than two weeks notice.

In the end, UFC officials signed Horcher in order to keep Nurmagomedov on the card.

“This is not my problem that I have Darrell Horcher. I asked (Donald Cerrone), I asked Eddie Alvarez, I asked Tony Ferguson. Nobody would do it,” Nurmagomedov said. “This is not my problem.

“I’m finally healthy. I am here. I want to enjoy it, and that’s why I asked UFC to please keep my fight on this card. I can’t wait two more months. I am very excited about (today).”

There might have been good reason dos Anjos and Alvarez were unavailable, as the organization announced Friday they would meet for dos Anjos’s belt July 7 in Las Vegas.

Nurmagomedov can make a case to fight the winner with a strong performance against Horcher.

When healthy, he is one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. The 27-year-old native of Dagestan is well-versed in several grappling disciplines and is 22-0 as a professional. He has cruised through all six of his UFC opponents, including the win over dos Anjos.

Staying active has been the issue, but Nurmagomedov is excited to be healthy again to continue his assault on the division.

He’s not as thrilled to still be talking about Ferguson. Nurmagomedov has been annoyed that Ferguson has called him out for remaining on the card instead of waiting for his return.

“He has to shut up now. He pulled out. He talks too much,” said Nurmagomedov, who has been forced to withdraw from several matchups. “I don’t ask somebody to wait for me. When you pull out, you have to shut up. When I’m injured, I stay quiet.

“Please shut up. I have a fight against Darrell Horcher. (Let’s) forget about Tony.”

Nurmagomedov hopes to make sure everybody remembers exactly who he is. He said while he wants a title shot, he already “finished the business (with dos Anjos) two years ago.”

He thinks it’s time for him to take over the 155-pound weight class for good.

“I’ve never lost a round in my whole career. I beat the current lightweight champion. If UFC gives me a title shot after this, they can have an undefeated, undisputed champion. I hope they give it to me,” Nurmagomedov said. “I am undefeated all my life. Eddie Alvarez has lost a lot of times. (Cerrone) has lost. Tony Ferguson has lost. UFC needs somebody different, a new level, a new generation, I think. A lot of people agree with me. I am undefeated. All these bums lose a lot of times. Nate Diaz has lost 10 times. (Conor) McGregor lost. They all lose.

“I am undefeated. UFC has to give me a title shot.”

He can go a long way toward earning it on a card that will air on Fox at 5 p.m.

A light heavyweight bout between Glover Teixeira and former champion Rashad Evans will now serve as the main event. Also, women’s strawweight contenders Rose Namajunas and Tecia Torres meet with a future title shot almost certainly at stake.

The preliminary card, highlighted by a women’s bantamweight bout between Bethe Correia and Raquel Pennington, also will air on Fox at 3 p.m. Three bouts will stream exclusively on UFC Fight Pass at 1:30.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj