Khabib Nurmagomedov has no problem in fighting Conor McGregor in a rematch but the lightweight champion believes the Notorious has to earn the fight by winning other bouts. Conor and Khabib last met on the Octagon at UFC 229 where Khabib submitted Conor in the fourth round.
In an interview with BT Sports, the Eagle said that the Notorious doesn't deserve a rematch currently.
“Have to deserve. I have to keep winning, he has to deserve, and that’s it. It’s gonna happen. But right now, I’m not interested in this fight. For what? He tapped. If it was like we go all distance or if it was a close fight, maybe. But right now, I finished this business. If you want new business, deserve this.”
The Dagestani fighter said.
Khabib believes it's not the UFC president Dana White who calls the shot but he himself also makes decisions.
“Right now, not only Dana make decisions. I’m here, too. They have to listen to me. Because right now, I’m champion. And I know what I deserve, I know what opponents deserve. Right now, Dustin and Tony on the line. Other guys? Nobody deserves. Even if you talk about people who deserve, Conor is not on the list. He has to deserve.”
He added.
“Last time he won, 2016. We talk about the fight for the title, being the best in the world. Please reserve. Come back and fight with someone and deserve this. No problem. But right now, a lot of tough and good opponents who have good win streak, they deserve.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently preparing to fight interim champ Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 on Sept. 7 at du Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.