Khabib Nurmagomedov Insists Conor McGregor Won’t Receive Rematch With UFC 246 Win

Recently Dana White caused quite a stir by reporting that if Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagmedov are victorious in their next bouts, the UFC intends to book a rematch between the rivals. Well, if you follow Nurmagomedov on a regular basis, you won’t be surprised to hear the lightweight champ has shot down that possibility.

Nurmagomedov responds to White’s comments

Ever since Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor last October, there’s been talk about if and when the rivals will fight again. After all, the bout was one of the biggest in combat sports history.

Well, more recently, White cited what McGregor has accomplished over his career, as to why a win over Donald Cerrone on January 18th could deliver him a title shot. White also noted that McGregor would be ready to step in for Tony Ferguson, if he’s unable to fight Khabib on April 18th. Since McGregor hasn’t won a fight since 2016, however, and because Cerrone just lost to Justin Gaethje, not everyone is on board with the idea.

During a recent Q&A Nurmagomedov attended, he was asked about White’s comments, and the undefeated fighter said this (quotes via MMA Mania & RT Sport):

”I think Cerrone lost seven or eight of his last ten fights,” said Nurmagomedov. “The other one’s going into his fourth year of no victories. It’s like the minor leagues – it doesn’t really matter who wins there.”

”I’m surprised that Dana White is saying that if Conor beats Cerrone and I beat Tony Ferguson, there will be a rematch,” Nurmagomedov continued. “I decide who I’m going to fight next. To fight me he has to cut weight first, down to 155 pounds, and win ten fights in a row like I did. Then we’ll think about a rematch. But for now he can fight second rate fighters who lose seven out of ten fights at 170 pounds. But to think he deserves the lightweight belt … while I’m champion that won’t happen, so everything’s all right. Don’t worry.”

Yup. This is what Khabib’s been saying for a while now. So, these comments shouldn’t come as a surprise. For the record, Cerrone is 4-6 in his last 10 fights. But, there’s certainly a narrative out there, which posits McGregor should be fighting Gaethje in terms of earning a title shot legitimately.

Could Khabib change his mind?

Now, if Khabib gets by Ferguson in April, and if Conor beats Cerrone, could the champ change his mind? He might. Sure. There’s a chance that more money could get the fight signed, although, Nurmagomedov has repeatedly said he’s already set and that money isn’t his main goal. There’s also the possibility that between the pressure of McGregor and the UFC, the galaxy class grappler could change his stance. But, as it stands right now, that seems kind of unlikely.