We’ll get Khabib, the war is not over: Conor McGregor

Abu Dhabi - McGregor will take on Poirier in the main card of UFC 257 at the Etihad Arena on Sunday

Conor McGregor has reignited the fire for a rematch against undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. During UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2 press conference held in Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island, when a poser on Khabib’s future was tossed at UFC president Dana White, the ‘Notorious’ McGregor jumped in to declare: “We’ll get him”.

Khabib continues to officially remain the champion despite announcing a shock retirement in October. According to White, Khabib will either choose to fight the winner of UFC257 or move on without holding up the division.

“I did make the case if that man (Khabib) is continuing to dodge this and dodge the commitment of competing again, the title should be stripped and we should be engaging in a title fight,” said No.4 McGregor about UFC 257 encounter against No.2 Dustin Poirier.

“I’m sure it’ll happen after this bout. I’m interested to hear what the excuses are but I predict a title strip.”

This week both Khabib and McGregor were seen at the same hotel sending MMA fans in a frenzy about a possible face-off, and the Irishman underlined: “As long as we fight again there’ll be no issue, that’s it. If he continues to run, I’m not sure. We’ll see what happens.”

McGregor pointed out the nasty episodes of UFC 229 in 2018 were past him but unfinished business remained.

“I don’t wish him any harm. It was in 2018, a lot of time had passed. The world knows this fight is not over, this war is not over. The sport needs it to happen, the people need it to happen. I’m not going to chase it if he doesn’t want it and I’ll keep my calm and move on.”

McGregor will take on Poirier in the main card of UFC 257 at the Etihad Arena on Sunday.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com