Khabib Nurmagomedov says he hopes to become the UFC's first Muslim champion when he takes on Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title this weekend.
The Russian holds an MMA record of 25-0 and will look to set up a lucrative fight with Conor McGregor at some stage this year to unify the 155lbs strap should he overcome Ferguson. He comes off the back of victory against Michael Johnson.
As with most high profile UFC cards, the promotion releases videos for each day building up to the fight and in the first of the week, we see Tony Ferguson in an ice bath 'testing his mental strength'.
Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, speaks to fans who have come out to see him while he trains and thanked them for their support.
He told his supporters: "I am so surprised about this. This is not just about me. It is about everybody, it is for us. On 4 March I want to become the first Muslim UFC champion."
Elsewhere, the highly anticipated rematch between welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson is also set for this weekend.
The pair fought out a majority draw at UFC 205 last November.
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