LONDON – Jack Shore is confident a fight with Umar Nurmagomedov will materialize at some point in his career, but it’s not happening on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 204.
Shore (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) was originally scheduled to fight Nurmagomedov (14-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) on the upcoming card, which takes place at The 02 and streams on ESPN+. The cousin of former UFC lightweight champ Khabib was forced to withdraw, though, and Timur Valiev (18-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) stepped in for the bantamweight bout.
The change of opponent happened several weeks out from the event, so Shore has adjusted to his new situation by this point. However, he still wants to see Nurmagomedov in the octagon in the future.
“I’m sure me and Umar will meet down the line,” Shore told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC Fight Night 204 media day. “Both undefeated, both look like we’re on our way to the top. It’ll happen at some point, it’ll just be a bigger fight. Maybe a main event in Wales or Russia. Who knows?”
Although he didn’t get the original matchup, Shore just said he’s simply happy to compete in London in front of fans. He’s been booked for cards on the city twice before, but it never came to fruition. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he finally gets his chance.
“This is the third UFC London I’ve been scheduled to fight on, and third times’s a charm as the say,” Shore said. “Just bursting to feel that atmosphere again.”
It might not be Nurmagomedov standing across the octagon on fight night, but Valiev is no slouch of an opponent, Shore said. The undefeated Welshman sees a tricky task ahead, he said, but he’s of the belief he can finish the job inside the distance.
“I want to put him away,” Shore said. “I’ve had two decisions in my last two fights and I don’t want to be known as a guy who wins by decision. I want to put him away, and I’m sure he wants to put me away as well.
Jack Shore expects to see Umar Nurmagomedov ‘down the line’ after failed UFC London fight