Rare footage of a heated backstage confrontation between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov has surfaced online.
Nurmagomedov beat McGregor at UFC 229 to defend his UFC lightweight after a fierce build-up, with the pair of fighters brawling following their main-event clash.
And their rivalry can be traced back to an intense altercation at UFC 205 in November 2016.
Advert
McGregor and Nurmagomedov clashed backstage at Madison Square Garden as both men were separated by security.
The Irishman spoke angrily to Nurmagomedov who fired back before gesturing to him. The scuffle was eventually broken up as both fighters walked away from the incident.
McGregor returned to action following his devastating defeat to Nurmagomedov in October 2018. He beat Donald Cerrone in his comeback fight to record his first UFC win since 2016.
Advert
And speaking after his sensational performance, UFC president Dana White spoke about his desire to book the blockbuster rematch.
"When you look at what makes sense, he had lots of personal stuff going into the Khabib fight. He has been obsessed with getting that rematch," he said.
"Khabib is 28-0 and you have to start talking about legacy. After tonight and after the first fight, we're looking at Hagler-Hearns, Ali-Foreman.
Advert
"This is a massive fight with global appeal. This is the fight to make. Masvidal doesn't have a world championship... Khabib is the fight to make."
The UFC champion's father Abdulmanap has laid out what it'll take to get Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor 2 and it's a lot of money.
"We also need revenge against Conor, but give us $100 million," he explained.
Advert
"The day after the fight against Ferguson, give us that amount and then why not hold a rematch? I don't know, maybe Dana White wants to arrange it (for that amount), he needs that fight."
However, McGregor has cast doubt over a potential rematch with Khabib after announcing his sudden MMA retirement last week.
Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA
