At that point, the name didn't matter. Whether it was a rookie or a contender, a lightweight or a welterweight, Nurmagomedov simply needed to keep his dance date at UFC on FOX 19 intact. So as soon as the UFC made the offer, the decision was easy -- Nurmagomedov agreed to meet Horcher at a 160-pound catchweight and give the Octagon newcomer the opportunity of a lifetime.
"My reaction? I think, oh, I have to watch this guy," Nurmagomedov said Monday on The MMA Hour. "Who is this guy? Twelve wins, one loss? He has not bad record.