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MMA

02nd Jan 2023

UFC fans want to see Khabib vs Conor McGregor rematch

Callum Boyle

Khabib vs McGregor anyone?

UFC fans have jokingly said that Khabib Nurmagomedov could rematch Conor McGregor at heavyweight level following his retirement.

Khabib retired from the UFC in October 2020 after a glittering career in which he is often described as one of the dominant 155lb fighters in the history of the promotion.

Since calling time on his career, Khabib has been coaching new 155lb champion Islam Makhachev and now sports a different physique to the one he had in his fighting days.

Khabib McGregor

Fans have been speculating about the 34-year-old’s weight, with many happy to see him enjoying himself following retirement.

One person said: “Don’t think people realise how big he was in his prime, in shape. I’d say 180lb minimum more like 200lb. Now? 220-240lb minimum – good on the lad eat those burgers son.”

Another added: “I’d honestly say anywhere from 190-210lb. But he’s not training anymore and he’s enjoying retirement so who cares.”

Meanwhile others began to imagine him fighting at a higher weight category, if he was to ever make a return, and named McGregor as a potential opponent.

Conor McGregor Jake Paul

“He weighs the same as Conor. Khabib vs Conor at heavyweight,” said one fan.

While it would certainly be a high-profile fight, it’s very unlikely to happen.

McGregor himself is focused on his own return to the octagon as he prepares to fight for the first time in 16 months however back in November, the Irishman offered Khabib a rematch.

“I’m still here if you want to go again. But your fear of defeat means you’ve already lost. Run from it all you want. We all lose in the end. Death takes us all. I fear nothing but God.”

The Russian defeated McGregor during their 2018 meet, but despite McGregor’s offer, Khabib wasn’t interested in making a comeback from retirement.

Khabib McGregor

He said: “Of course, now I’m big because I’m now like almost two years I’m finished with fights, you know. And I try to enjoy. I try to enjoy. But every day I train.”

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