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Conor McGregor Taunts Khabib And Explains Why He Still Considers Himself UFC Champion

Conor McGregor Taunts Khabib And Explains Why He Still Considers Himself UFC Champion

McGregor spoke about Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 257.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Conor McGregor has aimed a fresh dig at Khabib Nurmagomedov while explaining why he still considers himself as UFC lightweight champion in a revealing interview.

McGregor sat down with ESPN's Ariel Helwani ahead of his highly-anticipated return against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 next weekend.

'The Notorious' touched on a number of topics, including his arch rival Nurmagomedov who has yet to commit to another fight following his meeting with Dana White.

Speaking about the Russian star's retirement, he said: "I think he's afraid to fight me.

"That's for damn sure. And I don't blame him. I know exactly what to face.

"I fought the best of him that night, he fought the worst of me on that night. He knows it, I know it, his team knows it.

"I've the answer to destroy that man. He can pull the wool over people's eyes for only so long."

McGregor added: "I think his hand was shown. He's not a true fighter in my opinion. How could you walk away? There's so many great fights to be had.

"Think of the (Nate) Diazes, the (Tony) Fergusons, there's so many wild fights, the (Charles) Oliveiras, the rematch against me.

"I think it's just preposterous to walk away. Not only did he sh*t on the bus, I think he p***** on the chips also. I think he showed his hand.

"But then, at the same time, you know, there is family issues. It is what it is. So, all the best."

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

The 32-year-old, who hasn't fought since January 2020, continued by claiming he is still the UFC lightweight champion despite his crushing defeat at UFC 229 back in October 2018.

"I am the champion, the unified champion was never crowned that time in October 2018; Khabib fled the cage and left me fighting with his family members," he said.

"The post fight ceremony never took place so I still feel I'm the champion and I'll go in and prove that. The cream always rises to the top and the world is about to see it."

Will McGregor make another triumphant comeback at UFC 257? Not long to find out.

Featured Image Credit: ESPN

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, UFC News, Fight News, UFC

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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