Khabib Nurmagomedov Punts Conor McGregor Rematch Talk Again

Conor McGregor continues to push for a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and has argued a second bout would unfold differently. But, if the lightweight champion has his way, the “Notorious” one needs to get back in the win column before that happens.

Ever since Nurmagomedov tapped McGregor out at UFC 229 last October, there’s been talk about the two fighting once more. Even though Khabib controlled much of the action, due to the post-fight brawl that ensued, and because they’re two of the biggest names in the game, there’s no question it would do big business.

But, Nurmagomedov has repeatedly dismissed the idea that Conor deserves a rematch, and at a pre-fight presser for UFC 242 today, the champ said this (quotes via ESPN).

“The last three years he has only one victory and amateur boxing. How does he deserve a rematch?” Nurmagomedov asked. “He tapped. He begged me, ‘Please don’t kill me.’ Now he’s talking about a rematch?

“Tony Ferguson [is] on the line. People who have win streaks [are] on the line. But not the guy who don’t win nothing the last three years. … Right now I’m focused on Sept. 7.”

Since Dana White recently said he thinks Khabib and Conor will fight again at some point, and because he didn’t declare Ferguson has wrapped up a title shot, there’s been renewed talk about a rematch. But, it certainly looks like Nurmagomedov will need a lot of convincing (possibly via cash?) before that happens. And really, is there any doubt that Ferguson deserves to fight for the belt next?

Of course, first things first, and Nurmagomedov still needs to get by Dustin Poirier first on September 7th.