Khabib: Old Mayweather Drilling McGregor Could Damage MMA

UFC lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0) of Russia, considering by some to be the biggest threat to lightweight champion Conor McGregor, is worried for the reputation of MMA if their biggest superstar is blown out by a 40-year-old retired boxer.

McGregor is pushing to face five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a boxing match. Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs) retired from boxing in September of 2015.

Last month, Mayweather answered the challenge by announcing that he's officially “out of retirement” - but only to accept a fight with McGregor.

“For Conor McGregor, I’m coming out of retirement, just to fight Conor McGregor,” Mayweather told FightHype. “Today, I’m officially out of retirement for Conor McGregor. We don’t need to waste no time. We need to make this… happen quickly. Let’s get it on in June.”

Speculation of a Mayweather-McGregor fight has intensified in recent months, however, McGregor is under contract to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which would have to approve any deal for the bout to happen.

“I don’t want to hear no more excuses about the money, about the UFC,” Mayweather said. “Sign the paper with the UFC so you can fight me in June. Simple and plain. Let’s fight in June. If you want to fight, sign the paperwork, let’s do it.”

Mayweather, despite his age and inactivity, is viewed as a massive favorite in the fight and many predict a one-sided beating from the opening bell. 

Khabib discussed the subject at an open workout in Moscow, and explained that MMA could take a real hit if their main superstar was demolished in a such a contest. 

“As a fan, it is a very interesting fight,” Khabib said. “I understand perfectly why it is carried out. It is guaranteed to bring the organizers a lot of money. Such an event the world of martial arts is not yet known.”

“But in truth, for MMA it is a very dangerous fight. We're close to boxing in terms of popularity ratings. And if the most-promoted fighter the UFC such as McGregor is defeated by a 40-year-old boxer, it would be a blow to the reputation of MMA. But the money apparently outweighs any risks.”