'Line Them Up' Says Conor McGregor; Irishman Fed Up With Khabib Rematch Talks

Conor McGregor sounded fed up with talks solely focused on a potential rematch with arch-rival Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of his UFC comeback against Dustin Poirier on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to BT Sport ahead of UFC 257, McGregor shared his thoughts on Nurmagomedov and the special conditions he laid down during his meeting with company president Dana White about coming out of retirement to defend his title.

“It's not really an announcement. It sounded like a 'no,' which is what it is,” McGregor said. “He doesn't want to get in there against me, and that's for damn sure. You can see it all over. And so, it is what it is.”

"The Notorious" has made no secret that he does want a rematch with the Russian, who has the UFC lightweight championship in his possession. But he is not willing to sit around and wait.

With the objective of dominating the promotion's 155-pound division, he is happy with the selection of competitors that the weight class houses.

"I like the landscape at the minute. I'm not really focused on him. Although I want that rematch, there are plenty of great fights, and I'm not in the business of waiting around. So, after this, if these negotiations start faltering into the end of the year... I want to go again," he stated.

McGregor is open to the possibility of having a third encounter with Nate Diaz, who is expected to return as a lightweight and recently called out former interim champion Justin Gaethje.

With the UFC having a variety of match-ups to make in the lightweight bracket even if Nurmagomedov decides to say retired, McGregor sees better opportunities for him and other athletes.

“You know, Diaz talking about 155 pounds again. There's [Charles] Oliveira, there's [Justin] Gaethje. There's loads there and then," he stressed. "I don't think he has the courage. [A rematch] takes courage to do. Look at Diaz, a real fighter, stepping straight away. I'm not going to pursue it (rematch with Nurmagomedov). I'm here. I'm ready for competition. Line them up."