Khabib Nurmagomedov Shares Conor McGregor’s New Path For Rematch

Following Khabib Nurmagomedov’s memorable win over Conor McGregor in 2018, for quite some time, he said his rival would need to record multiple wins before earning a rematch. Not just one or two, but several.

But, as the lightweight champ gets set to face Justin Gaethje on October 24th, Khabib has outlined a shorter, albeit, tough road for McGregor’s path to a rematch.

Nurmagomedov outlines conditions for McGregor rematch

McGregor has been pushing for a rematch with the undefeated fighter, ever since he was tapped out by Khabib at UFC 229. But, Nurmagomedov repeatedly noted that McGregor hadn’t won a fight since 2016, and that other top contenders were more deserving.

Due to that, and because Khabib argued their fight wasn’t very competitive, he said McGregor would need to defeat, several, top contenders before earning a rematch. McGregor returned to the cage in January and quickly stopped Donald Cerrone, but Nurmagomedov argued that “Cowboy” is past his prime.

Well, fast forward to today, and Nurmagomedov is booked to fight Gaethje at UFC 254, and Conor’s apparently retired. But, of course, the champ still fields questions about the possibility of fighting his rival again.

During a recent press conference in Russia, Nurmagomedov had this to say about fighting McGregor for a second time (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“If I don’t fight St-Pierre, I’d fight anyone who beats Dustin Poirier next, whether it’s Tony Ferguson or McGregor, after I fight Gaethje,” Khabib said.

“That’s if I don’t fight Georges St-Pierre. If he comes back to the UFC and agrees to fight me, I’m fighting him.

Why? Because the last time he lost was 2007. My career started in 2008. Together we’ve been undefeated for 25 years. I’m talking in terms of time, not fights.

I don’t think the UFC will get another chance to make a fight like that, definitely not in the next 10 years.

“So Georges St-Pierre is next. If not, let Conor beat Poirier, or have Tony beat him, then I’ll fight them. Why? Because right now Poirier is the next contender.

We already fought and I beat him, then he came back and beat a top-five guy. So if Conor and Tony beat Poirier, I’ll fight them if I don’t fight Georges St-Pierre.”

Interesting new position?

There’s a couple of things to look at here, while assessing Khabib’s comments. First off, it is interesting to hear that he’d be willing to fight Conor again, if the polarizing star beats Poirier. 

From a meritocratic perspective, this makes sense, as Poirier’s ranked #2 and McGregor’s #4. 

But, you also have to wonder if Khabib is playing some mind games here with his old rival. Would McGregor be interested in fighting Poirier again, who he beat back in 2014, if a title shot’s guaranteed? 

It’s possible. But, since Dana White has repeatedly said Conor’s earned a title shot via his win over Cerrone, that seems kind of doubtful.