Khabib has no interest in returning for McGregor or Poirier: ‘I choked both'

[OctoberRed]

Khabib Nurmagomedov might be motivated to fight again but potential rematches against either Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier will not entice him to return.

On Wednesday, the UFC lightweight champion held a press conference in Russia to announce the launch of his own fight promotion — Eagle Fighting Championships — and he was also asked about possibly returning for another fight.

Nurmagomedov announced his retirement just after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 but in the weeks since that event ended, UFC president Dana White has said he believes the undefeated champion will return for at least one more fight. White plans to meet with Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi in the near future to discuss possible plans for his return.

While it seems possible that he will fight again, Nurmagomedov was quick to shut down a rematch against McGregor or Poirier after he defeated both within the past two years.


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


When pressed about the UFC’s interest in the McGregor rematch after their first fight became the highest selling pay-per-view in company history, Nurmagomedov was quick to point out that money has never really been his motivation.

“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.”

While Nurmagomedov obviously isn’t interested in McGregor or Poirier, he hasn’t completely shut the door on a comeback, but it appears the UFC will have to entice him with something more than money to get the lightweight champion on board for another fight.

[Anthony342]

Wonder if he'd still be open to a Ferguson fight then.

[BillyBoxing]

He chocked Mc Greg coming of a 2 YEARS lay off.

If McGreg can come back at his best, then there is a fight.

You gotta admit McGregor has balls jumping in against Floyd with no boxing experience then Khabib after such a long lay off.

If McGregor can pack a couple of fights against elite dudes and be impressive while Khabib is inactive (flipping situations) I would not bet against the irish dude for a rematch. Context...

Poirier has no shot to beat Khabib IMO.

[1bad65]

Originally Posted by BillyBoxing

He chocked Mc Greg coming of a 2 YEARS lay off.

If McGreg can come back at his best, then there is a fight.

And Connor at his best got choked out by last-minute replacement Nate Diaz.


Khabib beat McGregor, and in the same exact manner he did the other 28. Hell, Khabib even landed the best standing strike of the fight.

[BillyBoxing]

Originally Posted by 1bad65

And Connor at his best got choked out by last-minute replacement Nate Diaz.


Khabib beat McGregor, and in the same exact manner he did the other 28. Hell, Khabib even landed the best standing strike of the fight.

At his best but not in his best division, I thought it was a WW fight?

Also, what Connor did in the rematch? He beat Diaz to pulp.

Yes, I think at his best Connor can beat Khabib.
Connor had not been in a cage for 2 years, since the Alvarez fight, that's huge. Connor thought too much of himself and hsould have taken a tune up (if not 2) because Khabib is not something to take lightly.

This first fight was quite competitive until the choking.

[Eff Pandas]

"A horse doesn't run until the donkey wins". I love proverbs from other cultures.

That said fair play to Khabib. He should just do his thing outside of the cage & be a retired legend. He's probably made more money then he'll ever need since he's not one of these guys trying to be everywhere, be around important mfers & driving a purple & pink lambo with a disco ball in it. Just enjoy living.

[1bad65]

Originally Posted by BillyBoxing

At his best but not in his best division, I thought it was a WW fight?

Also, what Connor did in the rematch? He beat Diaz to pulp.

Yes, I think at his best Connor can beat Khabib.

The fact is Connor lost, and when he was on top. And he lost to a last minute replacement.

So your excuse he was rusty for the Khabib fight holds no water.

And yes, you think Connor could beat Khabib. But the fact is Khabib did beat Connor.

Finished him, to be specific.

Originally Posted by BillyBoxing

This first fight was quite competitive until the choking.

Do what?!?!

The majority of the fight was on the mat where Khabib was doing all the work.

The fight ended in Round 4, and Khabib had dominated 3 of those 4 rounds, and as I said, Khabib landed the best standing strike of the fight.


It's bad enough seeing a fighter making weak sauce excuses for a loss, but seeing fans making the excuses is even worse.

Connor lost, and looked just like the other 28 in the process.

[$Bullsfam$]

Originally Posted by Anthony342

Wonder if he'd still be open to a Ferguson fight then.

Thats literally the only fight left. ive never cared all that much for khabib but that is the one fight i needed to see. I think Tony would be very game and isnt scared of anybody because hes so wild everywhere the fight goes even off his back. Connor and justin were so scared to get taken down they got beat up on the feet by a medicore striker lol

[BillyBoxing]

Originally Posted by 1bad65

The fact is Connor lost, and when he was on top. And he lost to a last minute replacement.

So your excuse he was rusty for the Khabib fight holds no water.

And yes, you think Connor could beat Khabib. But the fact is Khabib did beat Connor.

Finished him, to be specific.



Do what?!?!

The majority of the fight was on the mat where Khabib was doing all the work.

The fight ended in Round 4, and Khabib had dominated 3 of those 4 rounds, and as I said, Khabib landed the best standing strike of the fight.


It's bad enough seeing a fighter making weak sauce excuses for a loss, but seeing fans making the excuses is even worse.

Connor lost, and looked just like the other 28 in the process.

I'm not making excuses. He lost, that's a loss, period

But those are facts.
He had a 2 years MMA lay off when he fought Khabib, maybe it didn't affect him, maybe it did.
We both don't know.

Who knows?

But a long lay off never help a fighter.

I'm not a Connor fan, I respect the sport so I respect a 2 divisions champ of the sport, I respect Connor because he has balls and I think he deserves more respect.
Just like I respect Khabib.

Most people thought Stipe would not do better in a Cormier rematch.

I would be interested in a Khabib vs Connor rematch and would like both at their best, maybe Connor would lose in the first round, maybe he would win I don't care.

As a fan, it's still a great match up, by the way, the first fight was a great fight, overlooked because of all the drama, negavity and fanboyism around that fight.

[QueensburyRules]

- -Made TBE TUE duck him!