Conor McGregor insisted he "couldn't give a f***" about Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement despite it scuppering plans for their potential rematch.
Nurmagomedov, who tapped out McGregor in their infamous 2018 grudge match, retired from fighting moments after beating Justin Gaethje to defend his lightweight title for the final time in October 2020. 'The Eagle' promised his mother that he wouldn't fight again following the tragic passing of his father Abdulmanap, who served as the main coach for most of his fighting career.
McGregor's reaction to Nurmagomedov's retirement has now been documented for the first time in his new Netflix series 'McGregor Forever'. The Irishman was very animated whilst watching the fight in his living room and was visibly disappointed when Nurmagomedov tapped out Gaethje. McGregor then shook his head and clapped his hands when Nurmagomedov announced he would no longer be fighting again.
"Let's go you little ratchet. Ah f*** it, rat b*****d. What's he doing with the helmet on?" Moments later, McGregor admitted to being surprised by Nurmagomedov's retirement as he said: "A little bit yeah, although I know he's always had retirement on his mind. Doesn't really want to be in there too much I think, it is what it is.
McGregor still remained hopeful of a rematch against his bitter rival taking place despite his decision to hang up the gloves, adding: "He said he had a conversation with his mother and talked to her for three days. I couldn't give a f***. [The rematch] will happen, I don't believe it [his retirement]. We'll see what happens, carry on."
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UFC boss Dana White tried his best to lure Nurmagomedov out of retirement to set up a second fight against McGregor, but the Russian stuck true to his word and never fought again. Nurmagomedov has since turned to coaching as he helped childhood friend Islam Makhachev win the lightweight UFC title he once held for several years last October.
McGregor hasn't won a fight in over three years but makes his UFC return against Michael Chandler later this year after recently coaching against his rival on The Ultimate Fighter. It will mark the Irishman's first return to the octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in their July 2021 trilogy fight. McGregor also admitted in his new documentary that he feared the injury was going to end his career.
