Conor McGregor says the “war” with Khabib Nurmagomedov is not over, but understands the chances of a rematch are diminishing rapidly, while also calling for the lightweight champion to soon be stripped of his belt. The former two-division champion, who returns to the octagon against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, believes there is significant unfinished business with his old rival. The two met in a <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/other-sport/ufc-229-khabib-nurmagomedov-defeats-conor-mcgregor-before-brawl-breaks-out-post-match-1.777915">now-infamous clash in October 2018</a>, when Nurmagomedov won by fourth-round submission and then sparked a post-bout brawl. Both fighters were suspended afterwards by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Nurmagomedov <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/other-sport/ufc-254-tearful-khabib-nurmagomedov-says-he-is-retiring-after-victory-over-justin-gaethje-1.1098963">retired unbeaten in October immediately following his victory against Justin Gaethje</a> at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, citing the death in July of his father and long-time coach, Abdulmanap, as reason for walking away. The UFC has continued to tease a comeback, though, with promotional president Dana White saying last week that Nurmagomedov could return. The Dagestan, 32, has for the majority committed to his decision. Speaking at Thursday’s pre-event press conference in Abu Dhabi, McGregor said: “It's a tough business. Things have gone on in his personal life. I don't wish him any harm. It was in 2018. A lot of time has passed. “The world knows this fight is not over. This war is not over. The sport needs it to happen; the people need it to happen. I'm not going to chase it if he doesn't want it. And that's it. “I'll keep my calm and move on. And that's what I'm doing. I'm back here in the 155-pound division. I'll show the world what's what over time." Sunday’s headline bout at UFC 257 at Etihad Arena – the finale to the latest Fight Island series in the capital – is viewed as a title eliminator, even if Nurmagomedov remains retired. The penultimate fight on the card features championship contenders also, with debutant Michael Chandler facing No-6 ranked challenger Dan Hooker. __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ "I would make the case, if that man is continuing to dodge this and dodge the commitment of competing again, the title should be stripped and [Poirier and I] should be engaging in a title fight," McGregor said. "But I'm sure it will happen after this bout. I'm interested to hear the excuses or what will be said after the fight. But I predict a title strip." McGregor and Nurmagomedov spent a period of the same time this week in the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island hotel, but did not cross paths. Nurmagomedov was cornering his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Fight Night on Wednesday. "All of those [incidents] were 2018. It’s now 2021, McGregor said. “What I will say is, as long as we fight again, there'll be no issue. That's it. If he continues to run, I'm not sure. We'll see what happens."
