Dana White Interested In Booking Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor II

John Locher - AP

UFC President Dana White, has outlined his interest in making a rematch between arch-rivals, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor if both men overcome Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone, respectively. Reigning lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov, is scheduled to return to the Octagon at UFC 249 in April, in a fifth attempted pairing with Ferguson, while McGregor looks to snap a fifteen month hiatus this January, as he headlines UFC 246 against 'Cowboy' Cerrone.

Nurmagomedov and McGregor clashed at UFC 229 in October of last year, in what culminated in one of the most heated matchups in the sport's recent memory. Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Dana White spoke of a potential re-run between the two, if both Khabib and McGregor secure win's in their next Octagon walks. "Well, a couple of things gotta happen first. (Conor's) got to get past Cowboy Cerrone, which is a very tough fight, especially at 170(-pounds) without Cowboy having to cut weight. Then, Khabib (Nurmagomedov) has to beat Tony Ferguson. If both of those things happen, then, yeah, I think we can make the rematch. He (McGregor) wants that fight really bad. And, in reality, It'll be the biggest pay-per-view ever in the history of the sport."

News of this potential pairing is almost sure to draw a response from perennial lightweight contender, Justin 'The Highlight' Gaethje. The former WSOF lightweight champion has enjoyed a three-fight win streak recently, stopping both James Vick, Edson Barboza, and the aforementioned Cerrone in the first round via strikes. Gaethje has been campaigning for a title tilt against Nurmagomedov for a considerable length of time, and believes he can act as the Russian's kryptonite. The Colorado native has also offered to act as replacement for Khabib or Ferguson at UFC 249 in April, considering the history surrounding the pairing of the two.

Speaking at a press event in Russia recently, McGregor further outlined a three fight plan for the coming year, and second on his list of fights for 2020, was a BMF championship challenge, a title which happens to be held by welterweight striker, Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal.

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