Khabib Nurmagomedov is retired but there is no stopping UFC president Dana White from arranging a last bout for the undefeated MMA fighter. White seemed convinced that Nurmagomedov can be persuaded to enter the octagon one more time for a rematch with Conor McGregor. But the latter it's unlikely to happen.
Promoting his second showdown against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257, McGregor touched on the possibility of avenging the loss he suffered during UFC 229 in 2018. To be sure, the Irishman has a score to settle but he is not optimistic that Nurmagomedov will give him a do-over.
McGregor said a rematch with the Russian is a remote scenario. He added that Nurmagomedov retired early to deny him the chance to equalize things. The Eagle, according to The Notorious, is afraid of getting shot down.
"I think he's afraid to fight me, that's for damn sure ... And I don't blame him. I know exactly what to face," MMA Mania reported the UFC superstar as saying.
McGregor admitted though that Nurmagomedov emerged as the winner during their first fight because the Russian was in the best form. And he squared off with a foe that McGregor described as "the worst of me that night."
In the event of another duel, McGregor said he knows better, vowing: "I have the answer to destroy that man."
White has indicated that the next UFC event will determine if Nurmagomedov will agree to one last fight date. If something "spectacular" will be seen at UFC 257, it will likely be easier for White to convince the Russian that another go will do him good.
The UFC chief said he believes Nurmagomedov will want to improve his immaculate record to 30 wins and a brief return will give him the chance to increase his retirement fund. If McGregor will impress on January 23, then a slugfest with Nurmagomedov could be lined up.
The excitement for that rematch is the insurance that both fighters will be richly rewarded, White said.
According to Yahoo Sports, the controversial first bout of Nurmagomedov and McGregor was fraught with controversies that the latter mostly instigated. That colorful fight spilled over into a brawl, and the promise of another thrilling event should be enough to make for a blockbuster rematch.
McGregor said he is all in for the money-spinner, and if White is to be believed, he can make the case with Nurmagomedov - that it's worth the sweat to put on a show, earn a huge paycheck, and shut down his Irish rival one last time.
