Conor McGregor still has a rematch between Khabib Nurmagomedov on his mind, although he acknowledges the chances of that have fallen sharply.
The former UFC doubles champion said at the UFC 257 press conference Thursday that he believes there is still much to be done between him and Nurmagomedov. But if Nurmagomedov is about to retire, McGregor has no choice but to move forward.
Nurmagomedov’s father and head coach Abdulmanap died last summer as a result of COVID-19. Nurmagomedov, the current UFC lightweight champion, announced his retirement after defending his title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October. He has largely stuck to the position he has since retired in interviews, although he has left a small window open for a return.
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“It’s tough business,” said McGregor. “Things went on in his personal life. I wish him no harm. As I said, it was in 2018. A lot of time has passed. The world knows that this fight is not over. This war is not over.” Sport has to do it, people have to do it. I won’t chase it if it doesn’t want to. And that’s it. I’ll keep my calm and move on. And that’s what I do. I’m back here in the 155 pound division. I’ll show the world what happens over time. “
Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor in the fourth round at UFC 229 in October 2018. The preparation for this fight was ugly. McGregor was arrested for throwing a dolly through a bus window to look for Nurmagomedov, who had beaten McGregor teammate Artem Lobov days earlier. After Nurmagomedov’s victory over McGregor, he stepped out of the octagon and started a brawl with McGregor’s team. In the cage, McGregor was attacked by Nurmagomedov training partners. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has issued several suspensions.
Conor McGregor will face Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi on Saturday but he doesn’t seem to be getting a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov out of his mind. Brandon Magnus / Zuffa LLC / Getty Images
McGregor and Nurmagomedov are at the same hotel in Abu Dhabi this week. McGregor will fight Dustin Poirier at the UFC 257 Main Event on Saturday. Nurmagomedov is in town to work on the corner of his cousin Umar, who won on the UFC Fight Night map on Wednesday. The two did not meet, and UFC security is aware of the threat.
“What I’m going to say is that as long as we fight again there won’t be a problem,” said McGregor. “That’s it. If he keeps running I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens.”
Nurmagomedov remains the UFC lightweight champion, but McGregor doesn’t think that will take much longer.
“I would do the case if this man continued to evade and evade the obligation to compete again should the title be stripped and [Poirier and I] should get involved in a title shot, “said McGregor.” But I’m sure it will happen after this fight. I’m interested in hearing the excuses or what is said after the fight. But I predict a title strip. “
