Khabib Nurmagomedov has reacted to being offered $100 million for a rematch with Conor McGregor, and says he has nothing left to prove against his ‘idiot’ rival.
Khabib and McGregor’s last fight was in 2018 and saw the Russian win via fourth round submission.
A mass-brawl between the two camps broke out post-fight which had major effects on the careers of both fighters.
The events preceded a 15-month hiatus for McGregor, who seemed to lose his way and landed in an array of legal troubles.
But the Irishman made his return recently, destroying Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in just 40-seconds.
$100 Million
Notorious seems to have new focus and ambition as he looks to get his career back on track.
And there’s been talk of a rematch with Khabib, with a $100 million offer having been made for a clash in Saudi Arabia.
McGregor and UFC president Dana White have also both confirmed their interest in making the fight happen.
But Khabib has now addressed the situation, and says he has little interest in facing the Dubliner for a second time.
Speaking to RT News, Khabib explained he’s currently focused only on defending his UFC lightweight title against Tony Ferguson.
He said: “I have a fight on April 18,”
“I have a very serious fight.”
“For the past month and a half I’ve been consistently training day and night.”
“I’ve gotten myself in good shape, to where I’m supposed to be 70 days before a fight, I feel great.”
“What’ll happen after a fight – no one knows.”
“I don’t worry about it, that’s what they want.”
‘I Controlled the Fight’
Khabib went on to say he finds it strange that people are still hung up on the past, and believes he has nothing left to prove after the first fight.
“I’m surprised that people even question me about a rematch.”
“It seems that people want to continue the festivities after that fight.”
“Everyone saw what happened in the Octagon.”
“I controlled the fight every step of the way.”
“I did everything I wanted to him, he even gave up.”
“How can we even discuss a rematch?”
“We can only talk about continuing the festivities and making money.”
“The question is: do I want that? I am focused on Tony Ferguson.”
‘Idiot’
When asked whether the whopping $100m purse had turned his head, the Russian insisted: “Not at all.”
He suggested giving the money to someone who needs it more than him.
“Why do I need that kind of money,” he said.
“There are so many organizations for example,”
“There’s not only football for the blind, there’s Sambo and other sports,”
“Let [the UFC] give it to them, if they don’t know what to do with the money.”
“But giving me $100M to beat up that idiot again?”
“I don’t think that’s rational.”
What Next?
It seems fans may be left wanting for a second showdown between the bitter rivals.
Khabib’s comments also cast more doubt on McGregor’s potential opponents for the coming year.
The former champion had revealed a three-fight plan for 2020.
Following his emphatic victory, it was Khabib, Jorge Masvidal and Justin Gaethje who were on the cards for Notorious’ next two bouts.
With Jorge Masvidal now declaring war on Usman, and Khabib snubbing a repeat of UFC 229, Gaethje seems solidified as McGregor’s next opponent.
But who could be his third?
(Featured image source: YouTube/ ESPN MMA and Instagram/ Khabib Nurmagomedov)