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Dana White: UFC exploring card in Russia with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:14 p.m. ET

Damon Martin

What Conor McGregor is to Ireland, Khabib Nurmagomedov may be to Russia very soon.

The undefeated lightweight contender is already a national celebrity in Russia — just remember what happened when he visited a Reebok outlet in Moscow as evidence.

Now it appears the UFC is starting to put some promotional muscle behind Nurmagomedov headlining a show in Russia in the near future.

"Let me give Khabib some love, Khabib has been blowing me up and I haven't really given Khabib any information, but obviously, Khabib in Russia — that wouldn't be a bad idea," White said when speaking to "UFC Unfiltered" this week.

The UFC has long explored the option to go into Russia with a show, but to date, the promotion has never gone to the country for any live events.

It appears having a top-ranked contender who would draw a massive crowd helps push the UFC in the direction to finally go to Russia for a card.

White also revealed that he would be taking his reality series "Looking for a Fight" to Russia as well in the very near future for an episode alongside co-hosts Matt Serra and Din Thomas.

Nurmagomedov has been champing at the bit for a chance to fight for the lightweight title, but competing in Russia might be the next best thing as the UFC continues to expand into new territories over the next few years.

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