Nurmagomedov Has “no Interest” in Fighting Winner McGregor – Poirier 2

As the MMA world continues to debate and discuss whether Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight again, the UFC’s lightweight champ’s made it clear he has zero interest in fighting Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier again.

Nurmagmedov has “no sports interest” in rematches with Poirier or McGregor

After the undefeated star choked out Justin Gaethje in October at UFC 254, he proceeded to announce he is done fighting. Khabib reported that after his father passed away earlier this year, he promised his mother the bout would be his last.

Well, since many believed Khabib would pursue the 30-0 mark, his retirement surprised many. Dana White has said he thinks Khabib will return to the Octagon to pursue that record, even though publicly, the champ has repeated he’s done fighting.

Well, next month at UFC 257, McGregor will battle Poirier, and the winner could very well advance to a title shot. If Conor wins in particular, obviously, the UFC would love to book Nurmagomedov – McGregor 2.

But, while speaking at a press conference recently to announce his own MMA promotion, Eagle Fighting Championships, Khabib was asked about the possibility of fighting Conor or Dustin again.

The vaunted grappler, had this to say (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“First, he will probably offer money,” Nurmagomedov said (courtesy of Russian reporter Igor Lazorin) “What for? I choked both [Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier]. Why should I do this?”

“Yes, only money. There is no sports interest there,” Nurmagomedov said.

“I choked both of them, both were champions, both surrendered to me. As our proverb says: a horse doesn’t run until the donkey wins.

Donkeys don`t even take part in competitions where horses run. I have no interest in fighting against these opponents.

“Imagine UFC offered you $100 million. This is already a problem. But there is no sports interest there.”

No surprise

Now, sure, Khabib did say at one juncture that if Conor beats Poirier, he would give him a rematch. But, that was before he announced he was retiring.

Further, as UFC 254 neared, Khabib reverted to his previous stance that facing McGregor again, does nothing for him.

So, really, these latest comments shouldn’t come as a surprise. If Khabib does decide to come back, he’ll likely only do so for a fight he believes adds to his legacy.

Defeating McGregor or Poirier once again doesn’t really do that. Not in a definitive manner, anyway. 

A win over Georges St-Pierre, one of the all-time greats, would. You also have to wonder if Khabib might be tempted to return for a fight with Tony Ferguson.

The latter is one of this generation’s greatest lightweights, and he and Khabib never ended up fighting. So, if Ferguson scores a decisive win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 256, could it be a bout that interests Khabib?