Since Conor McGregor has retired three times now from fighting, the consensus seems to be that we’ll see the former UFC champ back in the Octagon again. But, if the Irish star and the UFC are still eyeing a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov down the line, the lightweight champ’s manager believes they need to start thinking about something else.

Ali Abdelaziz “can’t convince” Nurmagomedov to fight McGregor again

Recently McGregor jumped into the headlines by announcing he’s retiring. The star proceeded to report that he’s not excited by the “game” anymore, and he also made it clear he’s frustrated by the fact his next fight hasn’t been signed.

As noted above, since this marks the third time McGregor has retired since 2016, talk about his fighting future continues. Case in point, during a recent interview with ESPN, Khabib’s manager, Abdelaziz, had this to say about McGregor’s title shot prospects at 155 (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“If Justin wins, Justin might fight him. If Khabib wins, he better go down to 145 (pounds) because his ass is not getting a title at 170 or 155. . .

For Khabib to fight Conor again — Khabib has ‘f*ck you money.’ He doesn’t need another $20 to $30 million. I can’t convince him to fight Conor.

Honestly, right now, I don’t think Khabib will give Conor a chance. He’s different, man. It’s principle first, then after that, it becomes money.

This guy (McGregor) talked about his father, mother, wife — you want to give this piece of sh*t another opportunity to do that again? Who would?”

Now, sure, some people will argue this is just a bargaining tactic to get more money. During the interview, Abdelaziz was even asked if Khabib might take the fight for $100 million, and that gave him pause.

But, based off what Khabib’s said to date, about facing McGregor again, it does seem very unlikely he’d agree to fight Conor anytime soon. Not unless McGregor faces a top tier lightweight and wins. 

The champ has repeatedly argued that McGregor doesn’t deserve a title shot yet, and Khabib’s also said he’s good financially.

Abdelaziz says Khabib’s father is improving

The interview also featured some good news about Khabib’s father, Abdulmanap, who has been hospitalized and in serious condition, on account of complications tied to COVID-19. When asked about the highly regarded coach and his medical situation, Abdelaziz said this.

“Khabib is very strong, his family is very strong and his father is very strong. He’s improving. He opened his eyes, responding a little bit — good sign.

Allah is in control. We have faith he will be better, but at the end of the day, it’s completely up to his health whether it progresses or not.

But he’s progressing, and we’re very happy about this.”

Hopefully, Khabib’s father continues to improve and we see him cage side with his son in the not too distant fugure.