UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed he is in talks to headline a UFC event in Abu Dhabi in September.

The 30-year-old had previously admitted that he would not return to the Octagon until November as a show of respect for his suspended teammates, Zubaira Tukgugov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov, who were suspended following the brawl at UFC 229 in October.

But Nurmagomedov insisted he could return as early as September, if the UFC will allow Tukgugov and Abubakar a place on the same fight card in the UAE.

“UFC told me that they are working on this. I just came back from Dubai. And very soon news is coming. Very soon,” he told RT Sport.

“Tony Ferguson can’t fight at the moment, (Georges) St-Pierre is retired, (Conor) McGregor is retired, a boxing match with (Floyd) Mayweather is not happening as we couldn’t come to an agreement with UFC. (Max) Holloway and (Dustin) Poirier are great fighters, I will fight the winner of this bout.”

As it stands, Ferguson is the No1 contender to fight Khabib, but is currently going through some personal issues that are preventing his highly-anticipated return to the Octagon.

With McGregor and St. Pierre both retired, the Russian could face the winner of Max Holloway versus Dustin Poirier in the Emirates, who are set to face off at UFC 236 later this month.