Former Ultimate Fighting Championship star Eddie Alvarez believes Conor McGregor lacks the experience to overcome Khabib Nurmagomedov in an MMA bout.
‘The Notorious’ from Ireland fought Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 229 back in October 2018 and came up short of reclaiming the lightweight title as he was submitted in the fourth-round.
Returning to win column, McGregor essayed a sensational 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone on his Octagon comeback last January, which could set him up to a potential rematch with his Russian rival.
“[Nurmagomedov] is trembling,” Conor told The Mac Life.
“That man is trembling. He doesn’t want it. He doesn’t want it. You get it. He’s trying not to lose it again … I just smell [expletive].”
“That’s all it is. He’s afraid, and that’s it. Everyone wants it. The boss wants it—Dana [White] wants it. We all want it. He can run, but he cannot hide. I look forward to it.”
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September Return
Khabib is coming off a third-round submission of Dustin Poirier to retain his lightweight title while protecting his immaculate MMA record at 28-0.
“The Eagle” was expected to defend the 155-pound championship against Tony Ferguson earlier this month but he decided to withdrew from the title fight due to his status in Russia amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to UFC president Dana White, Nurmagomedov will make his return this fall and will take on the winner of the Ferguson vs Gaethje interim title fight that is set for the new UFC 249 card on May 9.
“The Ferguson vs. Gaethje fight is one of the most violent fights you will see,” White said in an interview with ESPN.
“I can guarantee that. This fight is going to be incredible. The winner will fight Khabib for the title. This is for the interim. 100 percent (the winner fights Khabib).”
“Khabib will be back in September or October.”
Bad Matchup
McGregor’s former foe, Eddie Alvarez, has shared his thoughts on this exciting rivalry in the UFC lightweight division, saying the Irishman has no chance of beating Nurmagomedov.
But Alvarez believes McGregor will knock out Ferguson in a potential fight.
“I think Conor would put Tony away. I’d like to see him fight Gaethje, but I’m off the belief he beats Gaethje, but I would like to see the fight,” the former UFC star told The Score.
“I’d still like to see it. I don’t like the style matchup for him with Khabib. I don’t think he has enough experience in that realm to overcome Khabib at any point.”
‘The Underground King’ lost the UFC lightweight championship to McGregor in November 2016. Three years later, he left the UFC for ONE Championship and has gone 1-1 since his promotional debut in March 2019.
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(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Conor McGregor and Eddie Alvarez)