In a recent interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, made a bold claim regarding Conor McGregor’s absence from the upcoming fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes in Dubai. According to Magomedov, McGregor’s decision not to attend stems from a lack of courage.
The highly anticipated Bellator lightweight title defense has been dubbed “Ireland vs. Dagestan 2,” echoing the famous rivalry between Khabib and McGregor. Hughes, who has been compared to McGregor, invited the Irishman to corner him for the fight, but it seems that invitation will go unanswered.
Magomedov told Red Corner MMA, “No, he doesn’t have the courage to show up here.” He further implied that the presence of a large contingent of Dagestani fighters at the event intimidates McGregor. This claim has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and media alike, with some agreeing and others defending McGregor.
"Conor doesn't have enough courage to show up."@PFLMMA in Dubai, which was labelled as 'Dagestan vs Ireland' by the organizers, will happen without Conor McGregor, says Khabib's manager @Rizvan_RM Magomedov. pic.twitter.com/Eo58v67cxz
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 22, 2025
Will Conor McGregor Return to The Octagon?
Conor McGregor, who has been embroiled in legal issues and a potential exhibition boxing match with Logan Paul, has not made any concrete plans for his return to the octagon. The UFC is reportedly trying to coax him back, but there is no set date for his return.
Despite the absence of McGregor, the fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes is still generating significant hype. The event promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga between Dagestan and Ireland in the MMA world.