Dana White: Conor McGregor-Khabib Nurmagomedov rematch could happen in 2019
While many are awaiting on potential punishments for lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and his rival Conor McGregor for their post-fight melee following UFC 229, UFC President Dana White believes the rematch between the two fighters will happen this year.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, White made it known that once McGregor and Nurmagomedov go before the Nevada State Athletic Commission and get their fines and possible suspensions figured out, the UFC would then be able to put a plan in place to set up the potential rematch. White would make it clear that there are other fighters and possible fights that could be made in the lightweight division that would eventually set things up.
The question about a rematch was brought up to White after TMZ Sports asked Jon Jones which fight he’d like to see most in 2019, in which he responded the lightweight rematch between these two rivals. It’s a fight that White knows not only does Jon Jones wants to see again, but many other people do as well.
“I think a lot of people want to see that fight. Again, we still haven’t gone before the Nevada State Athletic Commission, that’s gotta happen and when that does, we can figure out how that whole thing plays out.”
When discussing potential other fighters that could be involved at the top of the lightweight division, Dana White not only mentioned top contender Tony Ferguson but also mentioned featherweight champion as well.
“Is Max [Holloway] moving to 155? Tony Ferguson, obviously in the mix. So, we’ll have to see how this thing plays out.”
Asked if this fight will happen in 2019, White didn’t seem too hesitate, stating that if all things go right, Nurmagomedov will face McGregor once again this year.
“Obviously, guys are going to have to win, it depends on how long the suspensions are and things like that but yeah, as long as everything goes right, this fight should happen.”
Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor by fourth-round submission to defend his lightweight title at UFC 229, in what was a rivalry fight building for nearly two years. The fight was overshadowed when members of both teams got into a post-fight melee which led both fighters to have to face a hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission in which fines and suspensions are being discussed as punishment.
Full video of Dana White’s interview with TMZ Sports:
