Dana explains 'favoring' Conor in possible rematch against Khabib

D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

The information that Conor McGregor can fight again for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.) if he wins Donald Cerrone No. UFC 246, in January, caused a bit of a stir behind the scenes of MMA. The statement was made by the company's president, Dana White, who explained the reason for giving the Irishman a new chance to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. The 'Notório' hasn't fought since the setback to the Russian in October last year.

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"Come on guys. Look what Conor has done in recent years”, commented the president.

The indignation with the information given by the 'boss' is not related to Conor's technical incapacity. However, the athlete remained inactive for more than a year, while other names in the division, such as Justin gaethje, showed, in the octagon, that they would be prepared to challenge the champion.

Dana doesn't downplay Justin's achievements, who scored two big wins in 2019; one, about Edson Barboza and the other precisely against Cerrone, Conor's next opponent. The good record has placed the North American in fourth place in the rankings, behind only McGregor and the former interim champions, Dustin poirier e Tony Ferguson, who is scheduled to face Nurmagomedov for the belt on April 18.

For White, however, Gaethje failed to reject some confrontations offered throughout 2019. The situation then promoted the Irishman, according to the 'manager', to face Khabib.

“Gaethje is on the rise too, but we offered him a lot of fights and he didn't accept them. So, Conor is next in line for this fight if he beats 'Cowboy'.

The long-awaited rematch between McGregor and Khabib for the belt, however, depends on the Russian winning over Ferguson. The champion will put his belt on the line against the American in a dangerous duel, which is one of the most anticipated in recent years.

'Notório' and 'Águia' faced each other in October last year, in the main fight of UFC 229. The meeting between the rivals promoted one of the most watched events in the history of MMA. On that occasion, Nurmagomedov won the fight via submission in the fourth round.