Conor McGregor celebrates after defeating Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 (Image credit: Getty)
MMA expert Ariel Helwani believes that Conor McGregor’s second fight post his UFC return would not be against Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The Irishman didn’t feature in the UFC after his loss to Khabib and only recently made his return at UFC 246.
McGregor easily defeated Donald Cerrone on his return and talks have been on him facing Khabib.
However, the Russian takes on Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 while McGregor needs another fight under his belt before taking on the champion.
Helwani was speaking to former UFC star Chael Sonnen and said:
“We both agree that this is a fight that everyone wants to see, Khabib vs Ferguson.
“We agree with the notion that Conor vs Justin Gaethje, the Conor vs Khabib, if they both win those upcoming fights make sense? There won’t be any bellyaching if he deserves a title shot or not.
“You beat Justin Gaethje, you deserve a title shot.”
Sonnen agreed with the notion and claimed that anyone beating Gaethje should get a shot at the title.
Helwani also highlighted that Khabib would take a break after his Tony Ferguson fight due to Ramadan.
McGregor had stated that he wants to fight more later on this year, and might not want to wait till September, when Khabib could be back in action.
Helwani and Sonnen both believed that McGregor needed a second fight before challenging Khabib, and the Gaethje fight would be a great test for the Irishman.
Ferguson will also be a tough opponent for Khabib. The American has been working hard for the fight and could beat the champion.
Ferguson and Khabib have been scheduled to meet four times in the past. This would be their fifth scheduled fight, but they have never faced each other.
The coronavirus seemed set to delay this fight too, however, Dana White confirmed that all UFC events would go ahead.
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