Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates following his UFC 223 victory. Photo from BBC.co.uk
Khabib Nurmagomedov willing to mend fences with McGregor, eyes next opponent
To say Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor do not like each other is an understatement. Before their fight at UFC 229, McGregor was insulting Nurmagomedov’s family, his religion and his country, in which Nurmagomedov believes he went too far. Ultimately, Nurmagomedov got the last laugh as he submitted McGregor in the fourth round to defend his lightweight title.
However, after the fight, Nurmagomedov jumped out of the Octagon and attacked Dillon Danis. Meanwhile, inside the Octagon, McGregor threw a punch at Nurmagomedov’s teammate. Now, both McGregor and Nurmagomedov are facing punishment for their involvement in the UFC 229 melee. The hearing is set for December 10.
Even though Nurmagomedov was mad at McGregor for what he said before the fight, he is willing to forgive the Irishman.
”Everything is possible. Just as McGregor and I feuded, so we could reconcile,” Nurmagomedov said.
Once the hearing takes place and the suspensions are handed down, Nurmagomedov knows who he wants to fight next. No, it is not top contender Tony Ferguson or a rematch against McGregor. Rather it is a fight Nurmagomedov has been calling for since he defeated McGregor. The fight he wants is one that will add to his legacy. Who that is? Well, he would like to box Floyd Mayweather.
“For legacy and in the sense of the money aspect, and in a sporting sense, I think the Mayweather fight is much more interesting,” Nurmagomedov said. “The athletics commission needs to finish up first and then we’ll talk.”
However, even though Nurmagomedov wants that fight, it is not a fight UFC President Dana White cares to see. He has mentioned Nurmagomedov needs to fight Ferguson next. With the champion under contract with the UFC, they would have to allow Nurmagomedov to box Mayweather, and that seems unlikely.
Ultimately, Nurmagomedov says he has one fight left on his contract and very well could fight Ferguson and then take on Mayweather in the summer of 2019.
