Conor McGregor says he's looking forward to a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov: 'The war is not over'

C.McGregor at a press conference at the UFC 257. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.) Conor McGregor is excited about the possibility of a rematch against Khabib Nurmagomedov for the division belt. The Irishman, who faces Dustin poirier No. UFC 257 this Saturday (23), stated that the rivalry against the Russian 'is not over' and he hopes to face him in the future.

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“The world knows that this fight is not over. The war is not over. The sport needs (this fight) to happen. People need this to happen. But I won't pursue him if he doesn't want to. That's it. I'll keep calm and carry on. That's what I'm doing. I'm back here in the lightweight division and I'm going to show the world my evolution over time. And that starts on Saturday night against Dustin poirier”, said Mc Gregor, at the press conference of UFC 257, held on the afternoon of this Thursday (21).

In a meeting with the president of Ultimate, Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov stated that he could consider a return if there was a performance that impressed him. Asked if the possibility of the Russian's return would provide further motivation, Conor disagreed.

"I do not really care. He (Khabib) didn't say that, Dana said that. Let's just think about the fight (on Saturday). All these men are here are good, there are many challenges. It's a difficult business. Things have happened in his personal life and I don't wish him any harm. Like I said, (the fight) was in 2018, a lot of time has passed”, declared the Irishman.

With speculation surrounding Khabib's return, McGregor also gave his opinion on the lightweight future. He reveals that he is ready for a rematch, but was assertive in saying that the category must continue if the Russian does not return.

“I argue that if that man (Khabib) continues to avoid the rematch or his return, the belt should be taken away and other fighters should compete for the title. I’m looking forward to knowing what the excuse will be or what will be said after the fight,” he concluded.

Conor McGregor, 32 years old, has been an MMA professional since 2008. The fighter has a record of 22 triumphs and four setbacks. He became the organization's first fighter to hold two simultaneous belts (featherweight and lightweight) in Ultimate, when he knocked out José Aldo and Eddie Alvarez, respectively. In his last fight, the Irishman won Donald Cerrone, UFC 246, in January of 2020.