Khabib Nurmagomedov sends Conor McGregor message after announcing retirement

The Russian has dismissed the Irishman and any interest in a rematch by retiring from the sport

Jack Rathborn
Sunday 25 October 2020 00:59 BST
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McGregor tells Khabib to smash him if he can
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Khabib Nurmagomedov insisted he’s “not interested” in facing Conor McGregor again after announcing his retirement from the UFC.

The Russian defeated Justin Gaethje in the second round to retain his lightweight title in the main event at UFC 254.

And 32-year-old Khabib confirmed his retirement from the sport following his father’s passing in July, insisting he gave his word to his mother.

But the Eagle had time to put down his Irish rival, who he defeated by submission at UFC 229 in 2018.

The Notorious is pencilled in to fight Dustin Poirier in January, another victim of Khabib, with the undefeated lightweight champion dismissing both fighters and underlining that he has nothing to prove. 

Conor McGregor reacts to Khabib retiring and makes announcement on own career

The Irishman has vowed to carry on with his UFC career despite no chance of a rematch with the Russian

“God give me everything, and with my father, I love you so much, it was my last fight, when UFC called me about Justin, I talked to my mother, I promised her it would be my last fight,” Khabib said. 

“I gave my word, I have to follow it.

“I want to say thank you to Lorenzo [Fertita], Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell]. Thank you to all this UFC team, everybody around the world. Thank you so much, Justin, you helped me a lot. I know you’re a great man. I know a lot of things about you. 

“Be close with your parents. One day it’s going to happen, something, you never know what will happen tomorrow. My team-mates, I love you so much.

“Today is my last fight in the UFC. It was my father’s dream, what else? McGregor and Poirier fight in January, I choked out both of them, I’m not interested in this.”

McGregor responded by writing on Twitter: “Good performance Khabib. I will carry on.

“Respect and condolences on your father again also. To you and family. Yours sincerely, The McGregors.”

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