McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov: What's Next?

The fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov rocked the world after the Russian wrestler made the Irishman tap out in the fourth round, which resulted in an all-out melee between the two parties’ teams.

McGregor had been vocal about his intent to have a rematch with Khabib, but the latter, together with UFC President Dana White seems hesitant. What can be expected instead is a matchup between the lightweight champion and freestyle fighter Tony Ferguson.

Dana White said in an interview that he hasn’t even thought about having a McGregor-Khabib rematch even if the Irishman wants one. White continued saying that he has to do what’s right and fair, and that is to go for Ferguson instead.

He said that Conor already had the opportunity to fight Khabib which is why the Russian needs to go for a more deserving fighter in the like of Ferguson. Furthermore, there had been numerous rumors stating that Khabib would follow the footsteps of Conor and be the next face of the UFC. While there are also other reports saying that the Russian might move to boxing instead to face Floyd Mayweather.

With that being said, Nurmagomedov called out Floyd Jr. in Twitter implying a possible fight. The Money was then quick to respond saying that they are indeed going to fight because he has control of the game.

The media, together with sports markets at betdaq and other bookmakers were fast to cash in on the rumors, but White, when asked about the possibility, said that any proposals would be ignored, even saying that the media doesn't need to pay attention to it because, in the first place, Floyd's team hasn't approached them.

Furthermore, Nurmagomedov is still under contract with the UFC, which makes it even harder to push through with a fight against the American boxer.

Huge win for the Russians

Nurmagomedov burst to worldwide fame after making UFC star Conor McGregor tap out during their Oct. 7 fight. Indeed, it was the Russian’s biggest career highlight, even more so that he went full throttle against McGregor’s team post-fight, and defending himself and his nation from the supposed racial and religion-related insults coming from the Irishman’s coaching staff.

The result? Him getting a hero’s welcome as soon as he arrived back in Russia. And not only that, as Khabib was also presented the first-ever Russian UFC Champion award, which was given during the Russian Premier League game between CSKA Moscow and Anzhi Makhachkala in Dagestan.

Khabib even performed a ceremonial free kick before the game started as a sign of his importance in Russia’s sports industry.

Going beyond

Indeed, Khabib’s victory in UFC 229 was a huge break for him even if it was marred by a post-fight brawl against Conor’s team. It was a fight that proved that he belongs to greatest MMA fighters of all time after bring his record to a smooth 27-0.

However, this doesn’t mean that Khabib is free from the legal system as he is expected to receive the verdict punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission this week.