Conor McGregor facing fresh Khabib threat after change of role in UFC

Conor McGregor is facing a fresh threat over his intended rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov after the Russian’s change in role.

Former UFC lightweight champion McGregor has made no secret of the fact he wants to step back into the Octagon with Khabib, despite his recent defeat to Dustin Poirier.

Khabib still holds the lightweight title, despite retiring from fighting, leaving his rivals extremely frustrated.

Few more than McGregor, who is likely to have a third fight with Poirer before taking on any new opponents.

But the Notorious may have lost his chance to rematch Khabib after his segue into coaching.

Nurmagomedov helped to oversee Islam Makhachev's impressive victory at UFC 259 over the weekend against Drew Dober.

The 29-year-old from Russia won by submission in the third round, before calling on Dana White to hand him a fight against a top-five lightweight.

"Years ago, I deserved someone from top-five," Makhachev said.

"Now I cannot be quiet because I have a seven-win streak now, please I need some tough guy. Tony Ferguson, please, I'll be ready.

"I'll be ready for anyone, please."

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It remains to be seen who Makhachev will face next, with potential contenders including Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler.

But he clearly believes in his own ability at the top of the sport, adding: "My wrestling is much better than everybody.

"I think everybody knows this but now I can show everyone my wrestling skills.

"For my next one I want to choose Tony Ferguson because my team has a very long situation with him, Khabib cancelled his fight with him a lot of times and a couple of times Tony cancelled the fight.

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    • "I want to make him shut up because he keeps talking and I want to make him shut up.

    "Everyone believed in my victory but they told me that if I wanted an easy fight just to take him down.

    "It wasn't easy to finish him but I had to show my skills; I believe I will be champion at the beginning of 2022."

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