At UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov finally faced off with Conor McGregor, after nearly a year of build up. The fight was a blowout, with Nurmagomedov dominating most of the contest and even dropping McGregor standing on his way to a fourth-round submission via neck crank. Afterwards, “The Eagle” jumped the cage and flying into the crowd to attack McGregor’s entourage, sparking a brawl that made headlines worldwide. It was a double-edged sword for the UFC.

On the biggest night in UFC history, the brawl suddenly became the talking point - a PR disaster for the company. But, UFC 229 ended up shattering the UFC’s Pay-Per-View record and the melee set up the potential for a rematch between Nurmagomedov and McGregor where previously, the soundness of Khabib’s victory may have made that less appealing. Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez recently said that he was interested in the rematch and McGregor recently called out Nurmagomedov on Instagram for being a “broke b*tch”. All signs could be pointing towards a rematch and potentially the biggest UFC PPV ever. Except for Khabib.

Speaking recently to reporters in Australia (via TMZ Sports), Nurmagomedov dismissed the idea of a rematch with the man he throttled just a few months ago.

“[Laughs] We’ll see,” Nurmagomedov said. “He doesn’t deserve this. Rematch for what? Before last fight he talked, talked but when we were inside the cage he don’t do nothing.”

At the moment, the UFC is stuck in limbo about making plans for either Khabib or McGregor. The UFC 229 brawl resulted in temporary suspensions from the Nevada Athletic Commission while they conduct an investigation into the incident and determine who should be punished for it. The next meeting is set to take place later this month and, assuming he doesn’t get suspended for an extended period, Khabib says he’ll be ready to defend his title against whoever is next in line.

“Anyone. Anyone,” Khabib said. “But we have to wait for court. . . We’re just waiting for Nevada Athletic Commission on January 29. I have a call. We will see.”

And if the NAC does suspend him for a long time? Well, Khabib can always turn to boxing.

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MUST-READ STORIES

New era. ESPN execs ready for the dawn of a new UFC era.

Rematch. Javier Mendez wants Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor rematch at AT&T Stadium.

Disrespect. ‘Where’s your respect?’ TJ Dillashaw, Henry Cejudo joust over fate of UFC flyweight division

Frenemies. Joseph Benavidez questions friendship with T.J. Dillashaw following Dillashaw’s flyweight division comments.

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VIDEO STEW

The MMA Beat.

A session with Joanne Calderwood.

Cejudo with a weird snake gimmick and TJ looking like a 1980’s hustler.

TTTHS.

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LISTEN UP

Obviously Fight Talk. Live chatting about Cejudo vs. Dillashaw, ESPN+, and Amanda Nunes.

MMA Vivisection. Dissecting the fights from the UFC’s upcoming ESPN+ debut.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Terrible look.

Warrior poet.

Robert Whittaker is finally adopting the best moniker in sports.

We finally found Nunes’ next fight.

UFC Phoenix poster.

Bran grew up to be a badass.

Hero.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pablo Sabori (9-5) vs. Anthony Avila (17-5); Combate Americas, Feb. 22.

Zoila Frausto (13-5) vs. Jaimee Nievera (7-4); Combate Americas, Feb. 22.

Daniel Rodriguez (7-1) vs. Evan Solorio (4-2); Combate Americas, Feb. 22.

Sheila Padilla (3-2) vs. Charisa Sigala (4-0); Combate Americas, Feb. 22.

Hector Fajardo (1-0) vs. Jose Avalos (3-1); Combate Americas, Feb. 22.

Emilio Horta (1-1) vs. Steven Bollinger (0-0); Combate Americas, Feb. 22.

Stephen Loman (12-2) vs. Elias Boudegzdame (15-5); Brave 22, March 22.

Jussier Formiga (22-5) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (15-0); UFC Nashville; March 23.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Is it just me or does this feel like the most demure superfight we’ve ever gotten? Champ vs. champ and the debut of the UFC on ESPN and it kind of just feels like any other fight weekend. Maybe it’s just me though.

Thanks for reading and see y’all Monday.

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EXIT POLL

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