Conor McGregor has brutally mocked Justin Gaethje and branded his performance against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 as 'embarrassing.'
Gaethje, 31, clashed with the undefeated Khabib on Saturday for the UFC lightweight championship in Abu Dhabi.
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Gaethje wasted no time in calling out McGregor in a post-fight interview and insisted that he is the No 1 ranked fighter in the division after Khabib's shock retirement.
The UFC star explained: "With him retiring, I'm No 1. Poirier and McGregor are going to fight [23rd January].
"They haven't made it official, so if McGregor wants to bounce out and get the belt, then I'm right here.
"If they want to give it to someone else, then so be it. But I'll be ready. I'm ready to fight again. This is my job. This is my life. I love it so much."
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McGregor, who announced his shock retirement in June, is once again expected to return to UFC in 2021 against MMA star Dustin Poirier.
But the 32-year-old Irish superstar pulled no punches towards Gaethje as he fired back in a now-deleted tweet.
"Dustin KO'd you, as well as your wresting/grappling and overall fear of the central positions being truly embarrassing tonight, Justin," McGregor tweeted.
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McGregor, who has previously had a heated rivalry with Gaethje, paid tribute to Khabib after his performance and retirement announcement at UFC 254.
Khabib, 32, extended his undefeated record to 29-0 before making his emotional farewell to the sport.
The 'Eagle' said in his post-fight interview: "Today, I want to say this is my last fight.
"No way am I coming here without my father. When UFC comes to me about Justin, I spoke with my mother for three days.
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"She didn't want me to fight without my father. I promised to her this was going to be my last fight and if I give her my word, I have to follow through with this.
"There is only one thing I want from UFC: to put me as No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world because I deserve it."
Topics: Conor Mcgregor, Justin Gaethje, Notorious, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA