Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov could hold BOXING rematch

Nurmagomedov and McGregor have endured an intense rivalry over recent years, with the two rivals finally facing off in October.

McGregor was submitted by Nurmagomedov in round four of the UFC 229 main-event, and afterwards the undefeated Russian turned his attention to boxer Floyd Mayweather.

Nurmagomedov ignored talk of a rematch between his Irish rival and instead called out Mayweather, who himself recorded a victory over McGregor in a crossover boxing match in August 2017.

However, Nurmagomedov’s father and coach Abdulmanap, told Russian newspaper Izvestia that he would like to face McGregor under boxing rules.

Abdulmanap claimed his son showcased excellent boxing skills in the McGregor fight and also against Al Iaquinta – the night he won the UFC lightweight title in April.


Abdulmanap said: “As for the fight against Conor according to the rules of boxing, we are interested in such a fight.

“Khabib showed that he is able to win the best drummers of mixed martial arts. He talked about this before, but few believed it.

“However, after bright victories over Michael Johnson, Edson Barbosa and Conor, (people) begin to believe.

 

“Nurmagomedov is able to do it in the boxing ring. Khabib has all the skills to win by the rules of boxing. One of the key skills can be called endurance.

“I recall a five-round fight with Al Iaquinta, in which Khabib showed his willingness to fight in absolutely any manifestation, using everything from a light left jab to control in the stalls.

“I want to note that the fight with Al Iaquinta was of great importance for us, the champion belt was at stake and it was important to hold the meeting coolly, taking our own. What we did.”

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As Nurmagomedov chases a fight with Mayweather, UFC president Dana White admitted he would like his lightweight champion to face NO1 ranked contender Tony Ferguson next.

Nurmagomedov and Fergusson have been scheduled to fight each other on four occasions, however, the fight has never materialised.

In spite of the bad luck the matchup carries, Abdulmanap revealed he would prefer Nurmagomedov’s cousin and teammate Islam Makhachev to fight Ferguson.


Abdulmanap added: “The fight with Ferguson is interesting from a sports point of view, as this fighter rightfully takes his place. Tony's level reflects well his winning streak of 11 fights.

“But I think that it is important to note one more thing: the Russian Islam Makhachev is ready to go against the American even today, and I am sure that Islam will cope with it, since it has gained a good shape.”

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