UFC star Conor McGregor: War with Khabib Nurmagomedov 'not over'

Former two-division champion Conor McGregor (22-4-0) is listed as a massive favorite to defeat Dustin Poirier (26-6-0) in the main event of this weekend's UFC 257 pay-per-view. 

McGregor, the top PPV draw in mixed martial arts and the sport's consummate businessman, is already looking ahead to a potential rematch with undefeated all-time great Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0-0). 

"It's a tough business," McGregor said of Nurmagomedov during a Thursday press event meant to hype Saturday's bout versus Poirier, per Marc Raimondi of ESPN. "Things have gone on in his personal life. I don't wish him any harm. Like I said, 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 gonna 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."

Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor in 2018, and the 32-year-old who is still recognized as the UFC lightweight champion retired following a victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 this past October. Nurmagomedov's father, who also served as his head coach, died last summer due to complications caused by COVID-19, and the champion explained after his win over Gaethje that it was his mother's wish that he walk away from fighting following that match. 

Nevertheless, UFC boss Dana White has repeatedly teased that Nurmagomedov could return for one more fight and an opportunity to retire with a perfect 30-0 record. 

"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 added about Nurmagomedov's unknown future. "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."

There's currently no indication White will strip Nurmagomedov of the title, especially if there remains even a small chance that Nurmagomedov and UFC legend Georges St-Pierre (26-2-0) could meet for a dream fight that would also be a career walkoff bout for both men.