Report: Khabib Nurmagomedov 'moving on' from Tony Ferguson non-fight, wants 'highest ranked contender' at UFC 209

Forget about Tony Ferguson. Undefeated Russian sensation Khabib Nurmagomedov is moving on from "El Cucuy" after offering Ferguson more money to fight and focusing on the highest ranked contender left in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight division for a scrap at UFC 209 on Mar. 4. ESPN's Brett Okamoto obtained the information from Nurmagomedov's management earlier today (Fri., Jan. 6, 2017).

I'm told by Khabib's management he is "moving on" from Ferguson. Looking to fight "highest ranked guy" at UFC 209. Chiesa possibly.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 6, 2017

This is interesting news to say the least. Nurmagomedov, who has only competed twice inside of the Octagon since April of 2014, was hoping to defeat the streaking Ferguson in dramatic fashion and lock down a title fight with current lightweight champion Conor McGregor sometime in 2017. Instead, "The Eagle" is now setting his sights on the next "highest ranked contender," which may very well be former TUF winner Michael Chiesa.

Chiesa is currently ranked No. 8 in the division, which is a big drop from Ferguson's No. 2 spot. But if Ferguson is unable to come to terms on a bout agreement than Nurmagomedov will have to move forward and pick apart the rest of the weight class.

Stick with Mania as more news pertaining to Nurmagomedov's next opponent becomes available.