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McGregor Vs Khabib Could Take Place In Vegas Before The End Of The Year

McGregor Vs Khabib Could Take Place In Vegas Before The End Of The Year

UFC boss Dana White has dropped the biggest hint yet that McGregor v Khabib will happen - likely in Vegas, maybe before the end of the year

Mike Wood

Mike Wood

The long-awaited superfight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor might well be on by the end of the year and will take place in Las Vegas, according to UFC chief Dana White.

Conor McGregor hasn't stepped in a UFC ring in a year and a half - having taken a hiatus to fight Floyd Mayweather in a boxing match, followed by a layoff due to legal troubles - but is thought to be willing to return to the Octagon sooner rather than later.

A potential fight between McGregor and Khabib was rumoured to be lined up to take place in Russia, Khabib's homeland, but Dana White scotched those rumours recently on The MMA Roasted Podcast.

"No, that's not happening in Russia," White said. "Yeah, that's not happening in Russia. Because that's going to happen in Las Vegas."

PA

The UFC has had plenty of great Russian fighters and is set to travel there for the first time this September, with an event scheduled for September 15th.

There are just two remaining dates in Vegas this year: UFC 229 in early October and UFC 232 on 29 December.

The latter seems more likely, as McGregor is currently awaiting sentencing on a trial in New York City, where he is charged with assault after attacking a bus carrying rival MMA fighters in April.

PA

Khabib Nurmagomedov is the current champion, having won the Lightweight title in April by defeating Al Iaquinta. His previous biggest rival, Tony Ferguson, missed weight for their bout and was replaced by Iaquinta at the last minute.

Khabib recently told Sport24.ru of his desire to face McGregor. "I do not yet know who my opponent will be," said the Dagestani. "The fight will likely take place in Las Vegas. I want to fight McGregor; the fans are also waiting for this fight.

"I hope that Conor wants this fight. He talked a lot but for some reason, as soon as it came down to real negotiations about the fight, he fell silent."

The Russian wasn't lacking confidence, later adding: "In what round will I be able to knock McGregor out? I do not know, and no one can know this. I'm going to destroy him."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, UFC

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]