Dos Anjos focused on Cerrone but wants Khabib fight to avenge earlier loss

Last week, MMAfighting.com revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov had suffered a rib injury and was forced out of his anticipated return at the TUF 22 Finale against Tony Ferguson.

While the news understandably frustrated UFC fans excited about the perennial contender's return to competition, it also disappointed lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, who revealed that he is far more interested in a rematch with Khabib than any other contest.

"I have honor on my belt. Not a fake belt," dos Anjos told Fox Sports. "I have a real belt because I fought against the best. That's why I think for me it's most important. Right now my focus is on this Cerrone fight, but then I want Khabib (Nurmagomedov) because I want to clean that loss off my record."

Dos Anjos even added that a match-up against Conor McGregor did not interest him much at all because it would not be a competitive affair.

"I don't care about (Conor) McGregor. He's a small guy, I would crush him," dos Anjos told FOX Sports recently. "If he wants to take my title I would love to crush him, but right now I don't think he's a big challenge. There are bigger names to beat."

Dos Anjos is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 17 in Orlando, Florida.