Conor McGregor Weighs-in on Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson, Says Bout Announcement is “Very Close”

It remains to be seen if Conor McGregor ends up fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov for the second time, in the not too distant future. But if he does, it looks like McGregor believes his rival will still be holding the UFC’s lightweight crown.

McGregor weighs-in on Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson

Ever since McGregor was submitted by Nurmagomedov last October at UFC 229, he’s repeatedly called for a rematch with the champ. But, because Tony Ferguson has won 12 straight fights, and held the interim 155 briefly during that time, calls for “El Cucuy’s” title shot have been widespread. Dana White has also said Ferguson’s next in line for a bout with Khabib.

Well, McGregor recently attended a sponsor’s event in Ukraine, and the Irish star was asked to make a call on Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson. Here’s what the former featherweight and lightweight champ had to say (quote via MMA Junkie):

“It will be an interesting one. I think Khabib would probably beat him,” McGregor said. “Again, you’ve got to see what the circumstances are. Anyone can win on any given day. Tony is a formidable fighter also, you know. He’s very, very tough. He does go down, he does get dropped, his guard has been passed, he’s been mounted by a lesser fighter, so I would favor Khabib in that bout.”

Nurmagomedov does seem to be the consensus favorite to beat Ferguson. But, McGregor’s comments about Ferguson’s guard are interesting, as more than a few people have questioned whether his submission game could pose challenges for the champ.

McGregor teases fight announcement

Since Ferguson is expected to face Nurmagomedov, there’s been endless talk and debate regarding who McGregor will fight next. Names like Justin Gaethje, Donald Cerrone, Frankie Edgar, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz (although the latter two are fighting November 2nd) have been mentioned.

Not surprisingly, McGregor was asked to comment on his next fight, and here’s some of what the polarizing fighter had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“Funny enough, I just want to compete now,” McGregor said. “I was trying to get the Dec. 14 card. For whatever reason, they’ve been holding me back. I’m giving them dates. I’m saying ‘I want to fight this date, this date, this date, this date in a row.’ We have opponents selected and everything. They’re just making it very difficult for me for whatever reason.”

“…We’re very, very close to announcing it. Not just yet, but surely over the course of this trip we should have an announcement,” McGregor said. “That’s what we’re aiming for. … It’s not from me why I’m not competing. There are many outside influences. The politics in prize fighting you will not believe. Like I said, we are almost there, and I will be back. I appreciate your patience.”

So, we’ll see what happens. It certainly doesn’t sound like McGregor and the UFC are on the best of terms these days.