That is the opinion of MMA icon Michael Bisping.
Nurmagomedov is looking to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship, having won all 26 of his professional contests.
Whereas Conor McGregor – who has three defeats to his name – will mark his return to the Octagon which will be his first fight in just under two years.
And Bisping believes Nurgamedov will be happy to play the role of the villain at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I think Khabib has come into this knowing that he’s trying to play the spoiler,” Bisping said.
“He knows that everybody is pretty much pro Conor [McGregor].
“Take a look at this arena.
“You don’t have to be a scientist to figure out that is pro Conor.
“There’s Irish flags everywhere. That is going to fuel Khabib.
“He knows Conor [McGregor] will bring the excitement and big payday, but he can beat Conor [McGregor] and take some of the limelight for himself.
“It’s a fascinating thing.”
Bisping also doesn’t envisage the fight going the full distance.
He added: “It’s just one of those fights, every day I change my mind.
“I don’t know what I’m going to pick tomorrow.
“Somebody’s going to get finished, I know that.”