Conor McGregor still considers himself UFC champion despite Khabib defeat

Conor McGregor still considers himself the UFC lightweight champion – because the belt was not wrapped round Khabib Nurmagomedov's waist when the rivals fought in 2018.

Nurmagomedov choked out McGregor in the fourth round to bring a temporary end to their bitter rivalry, but the ensuing riot in the Octagon meant the champion was not presented with his belt.

But despite Nurmagomedov holding the title before he clashed with McGregor, the Irishman insists he remains its true claimant.

"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 told ESPN.

"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."

McGregor held both the featherweight and lightweight titles in 2016 following his second-round win over Eddie Alvarez.

He lost neither belt in the cage having been forced to give up both when he pursued a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather.

He then went on to lose to Nurmagomedov who had by then won the 155lb belt by beating Al Iaquinta.

The Dagestan native remains the champion despite announcing his retirement following his win over Justin Gaethje last October.

Nurmagomedov is considering a return should he be impressed by either McGregor or Dustin Poirier when they clash next weekend.

But the former champion believes the belt should be on the line at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabni.

"I'm not surprised [the belt is not on the line] but feel it should be for the title.

"I'm not surprised and not disappointed, it is what it is. The way the year went I don't think I was going to walk straight in to a title shot.

"I'm happy to be back and I look forward to getting in there and competing.

"I was stripped of the featherweight belt before even getting an offer of a featherweight fight and I barely got the second belt in the Octagon in New York that time.

"With the death of [Khabib's] father they've given him time and that's admirable also. The time is now though, it's well past, and it should be for the belt but if not, no problem."

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