Khabib Nurmagomedov undergoes successful knee surgery, aims to return 'as soon as possible'

Khabib Nurmagomedov underwent successful knee surgery today (Wed., July 23, 2014) to repair a torn meniscus he suffered in training.

An unfortunate mishap that forced "The Eagle" out of his lightweight scrap against Donald Cerrone -- which was set for UFC 178 on Sept. 27, 2014 -- a few minutes after signing the bout agreement.

Khabib's manager, Mike Constantino of MVC Sports Management, sent MMAmania.com this picture of Khabib post-surgery and declared that everything went smooth on the operating table. Furthermore, the undefeated Dagestani is eager to begin the rehabilitation process in order to continue his path to the title.

Mike's words:

"He had the surgery. Is in recovery and hoping to return ASAP. His mind set was to go with the surgery right away and get it over with and heal as fast as possible and get back to training and continue his path to the UFC lightweight championship."

Indeed, a win over the red-hot "Cowboy" would have given Nurmagomedov his seventh straight win inside the Octagon and consecutive win number 23 overall (22-0, 6-0 UFC). More importantly, it would have likely given him next crack at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title.

With no exact timetable set for his return, possibly early 2015, that gives Khabib plenty of time to rehabilitate and allows the championship picture to clear up a bit more, as division champion Anthony Pettis is set to defend his title against Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181 on Dec. 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nurmagomedov -- the No. 4 ranked lightweight -- now has plenty of time to heal up and get prepared to jump back on the saddle in hopes of landing a high-profile fight upon his return.

One that would secure his spot at the top of the division and possibly a much-deserved championship fight.