Conor McGregor vs Khabib rematch is ‘the fight to make’ claims Dana White

Dana White says a rematch between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov is “the fight to make” after the Irishman’s winning return to the Octagon.

McGregor had been out of action for 15 months but exploded into life from the very first bell of the welterweight bout at UFC 246 against Donald Cerrone, charging at his opponent before bloodying his nose with several unorthodox shoulder strikes in the clinch.

He then stepped back and a precision head kick high over the guard landed square on the jaw of Cerrone, who was also caught by a flying knee and crumpled to the mat as the Dubliner went for an early finish.

Cerrone was covered up as the rights and lefts rained down on him, prompting referee Herb Dean to call a halt to a brief one-sided contest within the first minute of the opening round.

The former two-weight UFC champion had been out of action since losing to Khabib in infamous fashion at the same venue in October 2018, while this was his first win inside the octagon in more than three years.

White is excited to have McGregor back and believes a rematch between the two rivals is doable, despite the bad blood.

“Every time there is someone out there fun, there’s always someone fun who can fight Conor,” he said in the immediate aftermath of McGregor’s win.

“When you look at what makes sense, he had lots of personal stuff going into the Khabib fight. He has been obsessed with getting that rematch.

“Khabib is 28-0 and you have to start talking about legacy. After tonight and after the first fight, we’re looking at Hagler-Hearns, Ali-Foreman.

“This is a massive fight with global appeal. This is the fight to make. Masvidal doesn’t have a world championship... Khabib is the fight to make.”

The Irishman doesn’t mind who he takes on next with showdowns against welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and ‘BMF’ titlist Jorge Masvidal also mooted.

“Any one of these little mouthy fools can get it,” he said. “It does not matter. I’m back and I’m ready. I like this weight division, I feel really good, it’s good going up and down. God willing I came out of here unscathed.

“I’m in shape, I don’t believe I’m there yet, I’ve still got work to do to get back to where I was, so I’m going to party tonight and celebrate, spend time with my family and get back in the gym and train.”