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UFC 223: Conor McGregor said ‘no’ to fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov after Tony Ferguson injury

CONOR McGREGOR said NO to a last-minute fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to the Russian.

The Eagle has revealed it was Notorious’ choice NOT to defend his belt at UFC 233 this weekend in Brooklyn, saying he will not be ready in time.

Khabib Nurmagomedov claims Conor McGregor was contacted over a last-minute bout with him
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Khabib Nurmagomedov claims Conor McGregor was contacted over a last-minute bout with himCredit: Instagram @khabib_nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov, 29, was due to fight Tony Ferguson, who has backed out after a freak accident saw him damage knee ligaments.

And he has revealed that McGregor was given first refusal on the bout, but six days’ notice was too short a window to make weight.

Nurmagomedov told TMZ Sports: “My first option when Tony's out, I tell, ‘Hey, where's Conor? I need Conor. He's champ. Bring this guy.’

“When UFC call [Conor], he say, 'Oh, I am not ready.’”

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Conor McGregor has been sparring back in Dublin but was not keen to make fight weight
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Conor McGregor has been sparring back in Dublin but was not keen to make fight weight
Khabib Nurmagomedov has said Conor McGregor declined a fight with him after Tony Ferguson pulled out of their match with a knee ligament injury
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Khabib Nurmagomedov has said Conor McGregor declined a fight with him after Tony Ferguson pulled out of their match with a knee ligament injuryCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Khabib Nurmagomedov will be fighting for the UFC lightweight title in Brooklyn
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Khabib Nurmagomedov will be fighting for the UFC lightweight title in BrooklynCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Conor McGregor is still yet to make his comeback go the Octagon after his foray into boxing
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Conor McGregor is still yet to make his comeback go the Octagon after his foray into boxingCredit: PA:Press Association
McGregor is pencilled to come back to UFC in September
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McGregor is pencilled to come back to UFC in SeptemberCredit: PA:Press Association

McGregor yesterday responded, saying: "These fools pull out more times than I do with my d***."

Dana White recently admitted that there simply wasn’t enough time for McGregor to make fight weight and called in UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway instead.

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Khabib is confident of getting the win against Holloway and then he would like to fight UFC legend Georges St. Pierre.

Nurmagomedov added: “After this fight, I'm gonna ask UFC, ‘Hey, Madison Square Garden, me vs Georges St-Pierre - November. 155lb.’”

Ferguson is expected to go under the knife after his knee ligament damage, with his immediate UFC future on hold.

Conor McGregor coach Roddy Owen predicts UFC fights with Mayweather, Diaz and Khabib
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