K. Nurmagomedov (photo) gives C. McGregor a tip to face him again. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @khabib_nurmadomedov
One of the biggest rivalries in MMA today has not yet had its end point declared. Whenever you are interviewed, Khabib Nurmagomedov is asked about a possible rematch against Conor McGregor. The Russian, however, understands that the Irishman needs to win again before trying to regain the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg). The statements were made in a recent interview with 'BT Sports'. McGregor has not won for the UFC since November 2016.
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“He has to deserve it. I have to keep winning and he has to deserve it. That’s it,” Khabib summed up.
The athlete, however, admitted that the two will eventually end up facing each other in the future. However, the fighter demands as a condition that Conor returns to fight and defeat opponents to qualify for the title fight.
“It (the rematch) will happen. But right now, I'm not interested in this fight. He hit. If it had been a more balanced fight, or if it had reached the end, perhaps. But for the moment, I have closed this matter. If you want to face me, deserve it”, said the Russian.
Nurmagomedov also stated that it is not just up to Ultimate to decide their next opponents. For him, being champion guarantees him the right to direct his next opponents. Everyone knows the good relationship that Conor has with the company president, Dana White. Khabib, however, minimized their friendship and said that his opinion is also very relevant to the progress of the category.
“Right now, it’s not just Dana who decides (who she will fight). I'm here too. They have to listen to me, because, at this moment, I am the champion. I think I deserve this. I know which opponents deserve it. Now, Dustin (Poirier) and Tony (Ferguson) are in line. There are others? Nobody deserves it”, confessed Nurmagomedov.
The way Khabib has been building his career has put him on the path to becoming one of the best MMA athletes in history. So far, the Russian has played 27 times and has never been defeated in a professional fight.
For his own commitment, the athlete will face the North American Dustin poirier (interim champion) in a fight valid for the unification of the lightweight belt. The event will mark the main fight of UFC 242, on September 7, in Abu Dhabi.
Conor has not fought since October last year, when he was defeated in the fight for the category title by the Russian, at UFC 229. The athlete, since then, has not been scheduled to face any competitor from the organization.
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