Nurmagomedov calls for support from NYC Russian community at UFC 205

Russian MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov has called on New York City's large Russian-speaking community to support him at UFC 205.

The unbeaten Russian lightweight faces Michael Johnson at Madison Square Garden on November 12, hoping that a win will secure him a title shot against either Eddie Alvarez or Conor McGregor, who are fighting for the lightweight belt on the same card.

READ MORE: Nurmagomedov added to stellar UFC 205 card

Nurmagomedov took to Instagram to ask Russians based in New York to cheer him to victory.

"As you know, I'm fighting on the November 12 at MSG New York," he wrote.

"There is a huge Russian speaking community, people from former USSR lives in NYC and vicinity.

"It would be great if you guys come and support me at this day. Support from the arena is very important for me."

After beating Darrell Horcher back in April, Nurmagomedov was installed as the most likely contender for the lightweight crown, but McGregor's wish to become the first simultaneous two-weight UFC world champion saw him booked to fight Alvarez instead.

READ MORE: McGregor to face Alvarez at UFC 205 in bid for 2nd title

Since making his UFC debut in 2012, Nurmagomedov has won seven fights to take his overall MMA record to 23-0 and has long been eyeing a title shot.

Back in April he told RT Sport: "I think that my time is coming – I am undefeated in the last eight years. That's why I think I deserve my title shot.

"And I hope the UFC will give me a title shot at the end of the year. I want to take this belt. I want to become the first Russian UFC champion."

While it's now unlikely Nurmagomedov will get a shot at the title before the end of 2016, he's hoping the support of his compatriots can inspire him at UFC 205.