Dana White Outlines Conditions For Khabib Nurmagomedov – Conor McGregor 2 in 2019

Dana White has said several times now that he believes Tony Ferguson should challenge Khabib Nurmagomedov next. But, the UFC President also thinks Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor 2 will go down this year, provided a couple of things fall into place.

Ever since Khabib submitted Conor at UFC 229 in October, there’s been a lot of talk about whether the promotion will book a rematch. Although the bout was largely one-sided in Khabib’s favor, due to the star power of both fighters and because of the post-fight brawl, everyone knows that a rematch will do big business.

Well, recently White spoke with TMZ Sports, and when asked about Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor 2 happening in 2019, the UFC President said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):

 “We gotta see how this thing [plays out]. Obviously, again, we haven’t gone in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That’s gotta happen and when it does we can figure out how this whole thing plays out.

“Is Max [Holloway] moving to 155…Tony Ferguson’s obviously in the mix…we gotta see how this thing plays out.”

“…Obviously, guys are going to have to win and it depends how long the suspensions are, but yeah, as long as everything goes right this fight should happen.”

So, based off these comments, it sounds like White is still leaning towards having Ferguson fight Khabib next. Note the comment “guys are going to have to win”. Further, Nurmagomedov has repeatedly said now that Ferguson and Dustin Poirier are deserving of a title shot.

So, while some observers continue to insist that the UFC is going to take a look at handing McGregor an immediate rematch, so far, there hasn’t been any real indication that’s the plan. At least publicly that is.