Khabib's uncle says fighter turned down million-dollar offer for rematch with McGregor

K. Nurmagomedov does not want a rematch with his archrival. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @khabib_nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov finished Conor McGregor in the main fight of UFC 229 and retained the lightweight belt. Even with the rivalry at its peak, apparently the champion does not want a new confrontation with his arch-rival. In an interview with the Russian website Sport Express, 'Eagle's' uncle, Alex Nurmagomedov stated that the fighter refused US$ 15 million (R$ 55,88 million, at current prices) for a rematch with 'Notorious'. Instead, the Dagestan athlete wants to fight Tony Ferguson and then retire from competition.

See too

50 Cent makes a million-dollar proposal for Khabib to leave UFC for Bellator

Khabib rebels and threatens to leave the UFC if his team is punished

St. Pierre plans a duel with Khabib, but admits: 'I don't have the same motivation as before'

“From the beginning, they offered him $15 million if he agreed. Khabib said no. Let Conor stand in line, let him fight with the others. Khabib wants to fight Ferguson and then end his career,” said Alex.

The lightweight champion still has contact with the UFC. However, Khabib threatened to leave the franchise if his friend and training partner, Zubaira Tukhugov could not fight in the organization again. Nurmagomedov was approached by other promotions such as: Bellator, Akhmat and Fight Night.

“We plan [a Ferguson fight], but it can only happen if Khabib stays in the UFC. Many organizations with big prizes offered him a contract: Bellator, Akhmat, Fight Night. If Khabib remains in the UFC, then in April or May there will be a battle with Ferguson”, explained the lightweight champion’s uncle.

After the UFC 229 brawl, Khabib received a $2 million offer from rapper 50 Cent to sign a contract with Bellator. Apparently, the lightweight champion considers it to be insufficient value to leave Ultimate.

“For $2 million [from Bellator and 50 Cent], Khabib is not going to fight. Now he's ready to enter the battle for no less than $5 million. At Bellator, they told us to name our price, as they are ready to sign a contract. If Khabib leaves the UFC, eight other people could leave with him. I can't list them all, but they are powerful, good fighters. I still won't call their names. The UFC asked Khabib not to rush because they have not yet made a final decision,” concluded Alex.

Fatal change? Makhachev ignores warning and could end tragically at welterweight!