Conor McGregor accuses Khabib of 'chickening out', declares availability for UFC 249
Conor McGregor has reminded his UFC overlords that he's available to step in and fill the breach on the UFC 249 card after Khabib Nurmagomedov was ruled out.
McGregor's trainer John Kavanagh hinted his charge could fight Tony Ferguson on April 18 with Khabib now stranded in Dagestan, Russia due to conronavirus restrictions.
Fans have already expressed disappointment about missing out on seeing Tony and Khabib fight for a fifth time and UFC bosses are doing their utmost to salvage the card with several big names putting their hands up as possible replacements.
Conor McGregor reacts before taking on Donald Cerrone in their welterweight bout. Getty
American Justin Gaethje has been mentioned as a likely candidate although there is some support to wait for Khabib to be available.
However, McGregor didn't miss an opportunity to throw his hat in the ring and call out Khabib for "chickening out" of the fight.
"I am in shape to fight right now!" he wrote on Twitter.
Khabib and Tony face off. Getty
"At the beginning of all this, I said to myself - I'm happy I don't have an official fight booked.
"If I did, I would have consumed all the incorrect data to support me taking part in the bout, and I would have followed through, competed. And won."
He then went on to accuse Khabib of "chickening out."
Ferguson has also thrown grief Khabib's way on social media accusing the Dagestani of "hiding in Russia."
"April 18 Is Getting Close @TeamKhabib & You're Hiding In Russia," he tweeted.
"Travel Bans Will Not Prevent Me From Whoopin' That A**.
"Don't Use It As An Excuse To Back Out. You Have Been Sent Many Locations, Send Us 1. Still My B****."
He also opened the door to fighting McGregor by telling ESPN: "Nobody else deserves that a** whopping (other than) two people: that's McNuggets and Team Tiramisu.
"That is Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
"Khabib's a b****. I told him I was gonna mop the f***ing floor with his hat, the dude jammed out."
UFC boss Dana White still has not confirmed the venue for the event despite telling reporters one has been secured.
