Conor McGregor is likely to return to lightweight class for his next fight after a successful mixed martial arts comeback last month.
Ending a 15-month fighting hiatus, ‘The Notorious’ battled Donald Cerrone in a welterweight clash in the main event of UFC 246 last January 18 at the T-mobile Arena.
It only took him 40 seconds to dismantle the MMA veteran as he eked out an emphatic first-round finish using shoulder strikes, a head kick, and ground and pound.
It was McGregor’s first MMA win in three years, which catapulted him back to title-contention both at 155 pounds and 170 pounds.
Following the victory, he is being linked to a potential fight with Jorge Masvidal for the ‘BMF’ title and against Kamaru Usman for the welterweight strap.
But Dana White said a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov is the next bout to make for the Irishman, citing global appeal as the number one factor.
Back At 155
The outspoken promotion chief was all praises for the Irish star and said he can’t wait to see him on his next UFC bout
“He looked unbelievable in this fight. And for people that are saying Cowboy is shot, Cowboy is this—Cowboy is one of the best and one of the baddest to ever do it and he showed up to win that night and Conor McGregor ran through him like a freight train,” he said of McGregor’s performance (via MMA Mania).
“McGregor looks better than he’s ever looked. His head’s in the right place. Mentally, physically and emotionally, he is ready to roll and I can’t wait until his next fight.”
When asked about McGregors’s next opponent, White said “Probably the winner of Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and Tony [Ferguson].”
“Amazing fight. I don’t know [who wins] but you’ve got to give the edge to Khabib. Never lost, undefeated, savage, got to give him the edge.”
Massive Paycheck
Nurmagomedov will defend his lightweight belt against ‘El Cucuy’ on April 18 as they headline the UFC 249 fight card in Brooklyn, new York.
If the Russian retains his title, Khabib’s camp said they are willing to give McGregor the rematch but under one condition.
”We also need revenge against Conor,” Khabib’s father said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“But give us $100 million. The day after the fight against Ferguson, give us that amount and then why not get revenge?”
“I don’t know, maybe Dana White wants to arrange it (for that amount), he needs that fight.”
Would you like to see Conor McGregor fight Khabib Nurmagomedov in a rematch?
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Tony Ferguson)