Khabib Nurmagomedov Rejected Offer To Coach TUF Opposite Conor McGregor

Mandatory Credit: Hans Gutknecht - Los Angeles Daily News

With the UFC's reality TV show, The Ultimate Fighter slated to make a comeback this annum after a two-year hiatus - Dominance MMA leader, Ali Abdelaziz has revealed that current lightweight titleholder and client, Khabib 'The Eagle' Nurmagomedov rejected the opportunity to feature as a coach on the upcoming season, facing off against bitter rival and prior opponent, 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor.

Khabib, who headlines UFC 254 on October 24th. from Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE - attempts to unify the lightweight titles once again when he clashes with current interim holder, Justin 'The Highlight' Gaethje. According to Abdelaziz who manages both Khabib and Gaethje, the promotion approached him to enquire if Khabib would be interested in coaching against McGregor - with that prospect ultimately shot down.

Speaking with TMZ Sports, Abdelaziz claimed the UFC had approached him about the possibility of an Ultimate Fighter season between the two rivals on ESPN - with Khabib rejecting the offer following the pair's heated back-and-forth prior and after their UFC 229 clash in October of 2018.

"Last week Dana White called me," Abdelaziz said. "He said, 'Ali, what do you think if Khabib (Nurmagomedov) wins, him and Conor (McGregor) do The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN?' This is breaking news. I said, 'I don't know. I'll think about it.' And he said, of course [vice versa] if Justin (Gaethje) wins."

"It would be Khabib vs. Conor on The Ultimate Fighter, coaching. It would have been fu*king huge. Probably would have went to the hospital he would have beat his ass and his whole team. Or Justin Gaethje vs. [McGregor]."

"I talked with Khabib yesterday. He said, 'This man is human trash. He's like garbage. When you touch sh*t, you smell sh*t.' He said, 'He doesn't earn the fight. You understand? He doesn't earn the fight.'"

McGregor, who made his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 246 in January - scored a forty-second knockout win over former lightweight title challenger, Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone - snapping a hiatus dating back to his fourth-round rear-naked choke loss to Khabib at the above noted, UFC 229.

Involved in a public rift with UFC president, White - McGregor shed light on a series of DM exchanges between himself and the promotional leader, in which he campaigns for a series of fights across the year, including an August clash with veteran, Diego Sanchez in Dublin.

Rounding out a lengthy Twitter session, McGregor claimed he will step into the boxing ring in his next foray into combat sports, clashing with decorated world champion, Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao in the Middle East sometime next year. 

The 32-year-old also offered to meet with former interim lightweight best and one-time opponent, Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier at a charity MMA event on December 12th. at the Point Depot in Dublin, with both men agreeing to meet. With both still under contract with the UFC - it's unknown if the promotion would allow the event to take place, with McGregor detailing how they would have no hand in promoting the charity showcase.