Khabib Nurmagomedov dares Conor McGregor to cut weight and make a return to lightweight class after a successful comeback in the mixed martial arts scene last month.
After a 15-month absence, the former two-division champion made a sensational return at UFC 246 and defeated MMA veteran Donald Cerrone in a headlining welterweight clash.
McGregor needed only 40 seconds to score his first MMA win in three years as he finished ‘Cowboy’ in the opening round using shoulder strikes, a head kick, and ground and pound.
What is next for ‘The Notorious’ has been the center of discussions after the victory as he is being linked to a potential fights with Kamaru Usman, Jorge Masvidal, and even with boxing stars Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
Recently, a report from ESPN’ Ariel Helwani said a fight with lightweight contender, Justin Gaethje, is possible for summer.
Nurmagomedov, who is under the same management as Gaethje, has challenged McGregor to return to 155 pounds and fight ‘tougher’ opponents.
Ducking Matchups
In a recent interview with TMZ, the undisputed lightweight champion reiterated that Cerrone wasn’t a difficult fight for McGregor.
This is why Khabib is wondering why the Irish star was being praised for winning his return bout.
“Cowboy always loses all his main event fights. Always. I don’t remember when he win. The last 10 fights, I think he lose seven times? Six or seven times. He is not a high-level lightweight or welterweight right now.”
“Of course, [Cowboy] has a big name but his time is finished. Conor picked a very good opponent.”
“But now he come back and beat Cowboy who lost his last 10 fights seven times and then they talk about how this guy came back.”
To this, the undefeated Russian wants Conor to come back to 155-pound division and stop avoiding tough match-ups like Gaethje.
“No, he has to fight a really tough opponent like Justin Gaethje or something like this. He has to come back to the lightweight division, he has to cut weight. This is just my opinion.”
“I think he’s just ducking tough matchups, not only Justin Gaethje. Of course he can, because he’s a big star.”
Biggest Test
UFC president Dana White has claimed the promotion is serious in pursuing the rematch between Nurmagomedov and McGregor.
But before that, Khabib has to survive first the biggest test of his career when he takes on Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249 this April.
Ahead of his title-retention attempt, he admits defending his title against the number one lightweight contender will not be a walk in the park.
“Of course, I work hard but right now this is a very, very tough opponent. We focus like always but right now we have more focus.”
“Tony is not like these guys. He’s a little bit more tough than all of them.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Conor McGregor and YouTube/ BT Sport)