Conor McGregor still has Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rematch in mind, although he acknowledges that the chances of that happening have greatly diminished.
The former UFC double champion told the UFC 257 press conference on Thursday that he believes there are a lot of outstanding issues between him and Nurmagomedov. But if Nurmagomedov wants to retire, McGregor said he will have no choice but to move on.
Nurmagomedov’s father and coach Abdulmanap died last summer due to complications from COVID-19. Nurmagomedov, the current UFC lightweight champion, announced his retirement after a title defense over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in October. He has remained mostly in the position he has retired in interviews since then, although he has left a small window open to return to.
“It’s a tough business,” McGregor said. “Things have happened in his personal life. I don’t wish him any harm. As I said, it was 2018. It’s been a long time. The world knows that this struggle is not over. This war is not over “Sport needs to happen. People need it. I won’t chase him if he doesn’t want to. And that’s it. I’ll keep my cool and move on. And that’s what I’m doing. I’m back in the 155-pound division.” I will show the world what happens over time. “
Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor by presenting the fourth round at UFC 229 in October 2018. The advantage of this fight was ugly, with McGregor being arrested for throwing a dolly out the window of a bus in search of Nurmagomedov, who slapped McGregor teammate Artem Lobov days earlier. After Nurmagomedov’s victory over McGregor, he left the Octagon and ignited a fight with McGregor’s team. Inside the cage, McGregor was attacked by Nurmagomedov’s training partners. There were several suspensions dictated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
McGregor and Nurmagomedov are at the same hotel this week in Abu Dhabi. McGregor fights Dustin Poirier at the UFC 257 main event on Saturday. Nurmagomedov is in town to work in the corner of his cousin Umar, who won Wednesday with the UFC Fight Night card. The two have not met and UFC security is aware of the threat.
“What I’m going to say is that as long as we fight again, there will be no problem,” McGregor said. “That’s all. If it keeps running, I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens.”
Nurmagomedov remains the UFC lightweight champion, but McGregor doesn’t think that will last much longer.
“It would be the case, if that man continues to dodge this and dodge the commitment to compete again, the title should be eliminated and [Poirier and I] He should take part in a title fight, “McGregor said.” But I’m sure it will happen after this fight. I’m interested in hearing the excuses or what will be said after the fight. But it predicts a headline. “