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“I decided who I’m going to fight next… But to think he deserves the lightweight belt, while I’m champion that won’t happen.”
Earlier this week, in the lead-up to UFC 245, Dana White hinted that Conor McGregor could go on to rematch Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title if the Irishman is successful in beating Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. This despite the fact McGregor vs. Cowboy will be contested at welterweight.
McGregor was submitted by Khabib last year at UFC 229, and ‘The Eagle’ isn’t to keen on the idea of a rematch with ‘The Notorious’ anytime soon, maybe not ever.
Speaking at a recent press conference in Russia (via Chamatkar Sandhu), Nurmagomedov said White was wrong to assert McGregor as the next possible challenger to his throne.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: “I’m surprised Dana White is saying that if Conor beats Cerrone and I beat Tony Ferguson, there will be a rematch. I decided who I’m going to fight next… But to think he deserves the lightweight belt, while I’m champion that won’t happen.” https://t.co/5mT4tKG1Oj
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) December 13, 2019
“I’m surprised Dana White is saying that if Conor beats Cerrone and I beat Tony Ferguson, there will be a rematch,” Nurmagomedov said. “I decided who I’m going to fight next… But to think he deserves the lightweight belt, while I’m champion that won’t happen.”
Nurmagomedov last fought at UFC 242, where he submitted then-interim champ Dustin Poirier to unify the lightweight titles. The undefeated Dagestani’s next title defense will be against longtime rival Tony Ferguson, with both men scheduled to meet in the UFC 249 main event on April 18 at Barclays Center in New York.
McGregor, meanwhile, will take on Cerrone next month, Jan. 18 in the UFC 246 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.