Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov could cross paths again by appearing in opposite corners.

McGregor and Khabib have been on bad terms ever since their UFC 229 fight. The build-up was marred by controversy, with McGregor being accused of disrespecting Khabib’s Islamic faith. Khabib’s win was also followed by a brawl between the two camps. While a rematch never happened, McGregor has constantly fired verbal shots at Nurmagomedov on social media, even if the latter has refrained from engaging. One such incident was when McGregor mocked Khabib following reports he underpaid his taxes to the Russian government.

McGregor Vs. Khabib

“Brotha, I just put in to buy your family home off the government because you can’t afford it. I plan on big, smelly Irish…Brotha, I take big [poop] in your house. [And] brotha, you abandon from family and now I take your house…Brotha, where is the toilet roll?” McGregor stated

Now reports indicate that Khabib’s cousin Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his Bellator Lightweight Title against Irishman Paul Hughes on January 25 at the PFL: Road to Bellator – Champion Series. Khabib will be in Usman’s corner, who is undefeated with an 18-0 record which includes one no-contest. If Usman carries on his form, he may well follow in the footsteps of Khabib into the UFC. It also claimed that McGregor has agreed to appear in Hughes’ corner, as The Notorious could face off with Khabib again.

Nevertheless, that depends on various factors. McGregor is currently looking for his next fight. His last UFC appearance was a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, as he broke his leg. He suffered his third loss out of his last four bouts. He pulled out of his fight against Michael Chandler, which was set for June 29 at UFC 303. The Irishman revealed he suffered a broken toe.

He then announced his next opponent would be Dan Hooker. McGregor said the fight would go ahead on February 1 in Saudi Arabia. If that is the case, McGregor is unlikely to attend Hughes’ fight, which would drop a week before his bout. However, the UFC has not confirmed McGregor’s fight, meaning it is unlikely at this stage.

McGregor’s Case

The Irishman has also been found liable over sexual assault allegations following a civil lawsuit. Nikita Ni Lamhain alleged McGregor and James Lawrence had sex with her without her consent in a hotel room in Dublin in 2018. McGregor testified to those claims by saying: “I was shocked and frightened beyond belief. The most scared thing I have gone through in my life. Lies and more lies.”

However, the jury found McGregor responsible, as he must pay the claimant approximately $258,440. Conor may well keep a low profile, so he can focus on his next fight. Being opposite Khabib would run counter to that. McGregor may also get a frosty reception as he has divided the MMA community with his conduct towards Khabib due to his online comments. Even if McGregor does end up in Hughes’ corner, he knows it will take a big effort to come out victorious. Khabib recently masterminded Islam Makhachev’s win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 by being in Islam’s corner. He will fancy himself to do it again if he faces McGregor.