Dana White confirms plans for UFC rematch between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020

Liam O'Loughlin

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Dana White confirms plans for UFC rematch between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 image

It's a little over a month until UFC megastar Conor McGregor steps back into the octagon - and plans are already there for a massive rematch between the Irishman and Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020.

'The Notorious' will face Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone on January 18th, and has been vocal about his desire to step back in with the UFC Lightweight Champion later on next year.

And UFC President Dana White has confirmed that if McGregor can beat Cerrone, and Nurmagomedov can get through his next title fight with Tony Ferguson, the fight is on.

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"That deal's done, January 18th in Las Vegas," he told BT Sport.

"If Conor get through Cowboy, and Khabib can get through Tony, then we would be looking at a rematch down the line here pretty soon."

It would no doubt be one of the biggest clashes in UFC history, as the pair have a storied history both inside and outside the cage. 

In the main event of UFC 229 in October 2018, Khabib completely dominated McGregor and after the fight broke out there was a massive brawl into the crowd that landed both men with heavy fines and suspensions.

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The back and forths between the pair haven't exactly stopped since both during interviews and on social media - but right now, their focus should be on their upcoming opponents.

After White confirmed the plans for a rematch, No.4 ranked lightweight contender Justin Gaethje took to social media to voice his displeasure about Conor getting a title shot so soon.

It is hard to argue with Gathje, who is in the midst of a three-fight win streak - while McGregor has only fought once in the UFC since 2016.

But nonetheless, the UFC is a business - something Dana White is well aware of - and a rematch between the heated rivals in late-2020 could break box office records in the US and abroad. 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.