Search icon

Sport

31st Dec 2017

Khabib Nurmagomedov calls out Conor McGregor after last night’s victory

Carl Kinsella

Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC for over a year, but they certainly haven’t forgotten him.

The Irish fighter’s name is forever on the lips of would-be contenders, and last night’s UFC 219 was no different.

Khabib Nurmagomedov executed a commanding win over Edson Barboza, and capped off his night by sending a clear message to Conor McGregor:

“Tony [Ferguson] or Conor, don’t matter,” he said. “Maybe they’re … maybe if the UFC approves, I can fight with these guys in the same night. I swear, no joke.”

“Maybe I have to stay humble, but tonight, I have to smash these guys and get these guys back, because these guys talk too much when I’m injured.”

Nurmagomedov also offered an assessment of McGregor’s credentials that some might take issue with, saying “Conor, he only has one fight in the UFC at lightweight, and he’s champion. He beat Eddie Alvarez. (Conor is) a good fighter, but he’s not the champ. I think a lot of people can beat him at 155. This is my opinion.”

The 29-year-old currently has a perfect 25-0 record in the UFC which he’ll hope to defend through 2018. As for whether he’ll have the chance to defend it against McGregor, that remains to be seen.