UFC president Dana White has dropped the biggest hint yet that lightweight stars Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor could agree to a rematch bout.
READ MORE: (Video) MMA star releases raunchy clip, draws hilarious response from Tyron Woodley
The two lightweight fighters faced off in one of MMA’s biggest main-events in history during UFC 229 back in 2018.
With the 155lb title on the line, it was to be Nurmagomedov who came away with his strap after successfully defending against his Irish opponent.
The elite-level wrestler put on a masterclass of a performance which saw the Dagestan pound-four-pound great dominate McGregor in every area.
After successfully submitting the Irish superstar in the fight’s fourth-round, chaos quickly ensued by way of the Nurmagomedov famously jumping off the cage and into his opponent’s entourage.
The animosity between the pair is clear for all to see and although 2018’s contest was relatively clear-cut, a mouth-watering rematch has continually been speculated.
After going on to defend the lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in 2019 and then against Justin Gaethje last year, Nurmagomedov shockingly announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts.
Despite appearing adamant he will not return to the octagon, president White has not been shy in admitting he is doing all he can to convince the champion to make a return.
The latest in the ongoing saga comes after the top-tier promotion’s president spoke to reporters about the possibility of Nurmagomedov and McGregor going toe-to-toe in a rematch.
White, as quoted by The Sun, said: “Khabib’s not meeting with me for no reason.
“He would say, ‘There’s no need to meet. What’s the point in having a meeting?
“‘Love ya, it’s been great. Thank you, but we don’t need to meet. You know my answer.’
“He hasn’t said that, has he?
“I also believe he hates Conor McGregor so bad. The hate that these two have is as real as anything you have ever seen.
“And I believe that if Conor came out of this thing, and Conor was going to be the guy to win the title?
“Now I truly believe that he would fight Conor. I believe that. Maybe I’m wrong but we’ll see how it all plays out.”