Khabib’s rematch demands
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s corner say the Russian star would demand a UFC record fee for any rematch with Conor McGregor.
Superstar McGregor is eager for another fight with lightweight champion Nurmagomedov after tapping out in the fourth round of their controversial fight in Las Vegas last weekend.
McGregor has received his US$3m fight fee but Nurmagomedov’s US$2m purse has been frozen while authorities investigate the melee after the fight.
Nurmagomedov jumped out of the ring to attack one of McGregor’s team and some of Nurmagomedov’s entourage jumped into the ring to fight the Irishman, seeking retribution for McGregor’s ungracious behaviour in the buildup to the fight.
McGregor lost the fight but was the big winner in the money stakes, getting the bigger purse and having a share of what are believed to be record pay-per-views.
As attention turns to what might unfold next, Nurmagomedov’s team-mate at American Kickboxing Academy, Luke Rockhold, told the MMA Show that if the UFC wants Nurmagomedov to fight a rematch, the money equation would have to be reversed.
After an unblemished record of 27 consecutive wins and embarrassing McGregor, Nurmagomedov believes he has justified his status as the dominant force of his division and could hold claims to being the best pound-for-pound fighter.
‘‘If you want Khabib,’’ said Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion, ‘‘he’ll want a record-breaking number.’’
Nurmagomedov will first have to fight to save his name as he faces potential fines, community service, suspension and having his title stripped for his post-fight behaviour.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission is investigating the chaos that took over the T-Mobile Arena. UFC boss Dana White said his organisation would allow the investigations to run their course before looking at what the future held for both Nurmagomedov and McGregor.
He confirmed McGregor has sought a rematch but Tony Ferguson, an impressive winner at the weekend on his comeback from knee surgery, also has claims to finally fight Nurmagomedov for the title.
White also told ESPN that the UFC took extra security precautions because they were worried something might happen because of the heated buildup to the fight.
‘‘We knew some things could happen after this fight, so we had everything in place to make sure that didn’t happen,’’ White said.
‘‘I didn’t see Khabib jumping over the cage like that. He got over that thing quick and was going after one of Conor’s cornermen.
‘‘There’s no doubt he’s justified for being upset, but first of all, you just won the fight against the biggest superstar in all of sports, let alone our sport. You just beat him while the whole world was watching. ... the only one getting hurt in this thing now is Khabib. Now he has to go before the Nevada commission.’’