Dana White: Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov Rematch Should Happen in 2019

UFC President Dana White said he expects a rematch between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov sometime this year.

"I think a lot of people want to see that fight. Obviously, again, we still haven't gone before the Nevada State Athletic Commission. That's got to happen, and when that does, we can figure how this whole thing plays out," White told TMZ Sports. 

"Guys are going to have to win," White continued. "It depends on how long the suspensions are. ... But as long as everything goes right, this fight should happen [in 2019]."

Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor via submission in the fourth round of their highly anticipated bout at UFC 229 in October.             

White mentioned Max Holloway's potential move to 155 pounds and Tony Ferguson's presence in the lightweight division as reasons there could be a delay in the rematch. McGregor and Nurmagomedov may each have to fight once to set up a rematch, which would be among the most anticipated in UFC history.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has yet to rule on the post-fight controversy. Nurmagomedov left the Octagon to confront a member of McGregor's camp, and members of Nurmagomedov's team jumped in the cage and fought with McGregor.

"He talk about my religion. He talk about my country. He talk about my father," Nurmagomedov told reporters. "This is a respect sport, this is not a trash-talking sport. ... You cannot talk about religion, you cannot talk about a nation, you cannot talk about this stuff. For me, this is very important."

McGregor has been open about his desire for a rematch.