Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, is stirring up the MMA world once again with his verbal jabs aimed at his retired rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor, known for his penchant for trash talk, believes Nurmagomedov’s alleged tax issues might lure him out of retirement for a rematch. McGregor didn’t hold back, accusing Nurmagomedov of resorting to what he called “typical rat behavior” due to financial woes.
Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, swiftly retaliated on social media, reminding McGregor of the humiliating defeat he suffered at the hands of Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. Abdelaziz issued a chilling warning, cautioning McGregor and his team to be careful about what they wish for, hinting at potential repercussions if they continue their verbal assaults.
Despite Nurmagomedov’s retirement in 2020, McGregor has consistently expressed his desire for a rematch. Their initial encounter in 2018 not only resulted in Nurmagomedov’s victory but also sparked a chaotic post-fight brawl, further fueling the animosity between the two fighters.
Adding another twist to the narrative, Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez, revealed that Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion and Nurmagomedov’s protege, is open to facing McGregor. This revelation has piqued the interest of fight fans, considering McGregor’s tumultuous history with Nurmagomedov and the potential for a heated showdown between Makhachev and McGregor.
Mendez emphasized the financial incentives and increased recognition that a matchup with McGregor could bring to Makhachev, highlighting the pragmatic aspect of being a champion in the sport. Despite any lingering animosity stemming from McGregor’s past rivalry with Nurmagomedov, Mendez believes the financial windfall from such a high-profile fight would significantly raise Makhachev’s status in the MMA world.
McGregor’s ongoing feud with Nurmagomedov, coupled with the possibility of a matchup between McGregor and Makhachev, has reignited interest in the UFC lightweight division. Whether Nurmagomedov will succumb to McGregor’s taunts and return to the octagon or if Makhachev will step up to face McGregor, the MMA world eagerly awaits the resolution of these simmering conflicts.
