The Rise And Rivalry Of Conor McGregor: A Look At UFC243 And Beyond

Conor McGregor, a name that resonates with both fans and critics alike, made headlines once again when he knocked out Donald Cerrone just 40 seconds into their match at UFC243 on January 18, 2020. Before this explosive return, McGregor had been absent from the octagon for over a year, even announcing his retirement on March 29, 2019. His last bout prior to facing Cerrone was a notable clash against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 on October 6, 2018, where he unfortunately faced defeat. Following his retirement, McGregor expressed his desire for a rematch with Khabib, promising to see him again in the octagon.

Despite McGregor's impressive comeback against Cerrone, Khabib saw the fight and stated he had no interest in a rematch, regardless of the financial incentives, even dismissing a rumored $100 million offer. He referred to McGregor as an "idiot" and questioned, "Why do I need that kind of money?" Khabib made these remarks during a press conference in Dagestan, Russia, on February 4, 2020, when asked about the potential rematch.

In a firm stance, Khabib revealed that he is focusing on his upcoming fight against Tony Ferguson in April and believes the significant funds could be better utilized to assist those in need. Khabib's assertion, “...giving me $100 million for me to beat up that idiot again? I don't think that's rational,” clearly highlights his reluctance to engage with McGregor once more. McGregor, known for his fighting spirit and vocal nature, is likely to respond to Khabib's comments and continue his calls for a rematch.

Name	Date of Birth	Nationality	Notable Achievements
Conor McGregor	July 14, 1988	Irish	UFC Featherweight Champion, UFC Lightweight Champion, Notable Knockouts
Khabib Nurmagomedov	September 20, 1988	Russian	UFC Lightweight Champion, Undefeated Record