Conor McGregor's Coach Reveals Exactly Why He Didn't Replace Khabib Nurmagomedov And Face Tony Ferguson

Conor McGregor's coach has revealed exactly why the Irishman didn't replace Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249 - stating he wasn't a "new pro requiring opportunity."

Khabib was set to finally take on Tony Ferguson until the coronavirus pandemic left the lightweight champion stranded in Russia.

Ferguson required an opponent at the event and it was Justin Gaethje who stepped up, defeating 'El Cucuy' to pencil in an undisputed title fight with Nurmagomedov.

Many thought 'The Notorious' would put his name in the hat to replace the Russian, but John Kavanagh has revealed all.

He replied to a fan on Twitter asking why Conor didn't step in saying: "Because he's not a new pro requiring unusual opportunity. When he was he accepted going up a weight class to get 2nd CW title.

"Or wrestler instead of thaiboxer for first UFC title with few days notice. Is it really that hard for people to understand? Its not complicated."

Reports had claimed the former 'Champ-champ' had turned down an offer to step in at the last minute - but UFC president Dana White hit back.

"The bullsh*t that I have read this week. I started scrolling through: 'Dana White rips Conor McGregor.' What? When did I f*cking rip Conor McGregor?" White said last month per MMA Junkie.

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"The media is so full of sh*t. And the f*cking headlines are such f*cking bullsh*t. You literally can't believe anything you read."

Since UFC 249, McGregor has retired from MMA for the third time in four years.

The 31-year-old posted new footage of himself in boxing training earlier this week, but many fans were left less than impressed.

McGregor, who stated he retired from UFC as "nothing excites" him, has always talked about his interest in getting back inside the squared circle and has dropped plenty of hints of late.

To see all of Conor McGregor's fights, subscribe to Fight Pass, where you'll get access to every UFC fight ever, plus behind the scenes exclusives and original content that can't be found anywhere else.

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, MMA News, John Kavanagh, Tony Ferguson, UFC, MMA

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_