Khabib Nurmagomedov has told Conor McGregor that he wants to finally take on number one contender Tony Ferguson rather than have a rematch with the Irishman.
The undefeated Dagestani did not rule out a future rematch with McGregor down the line, but told the Dubliner that their rivalry is "a thing of the past".
McGregor was choked out by lightweight champion Nurmagomedov over a year ago, and hasn't returned to the cage since.
And Nurmagomedov claims he is "not ready to shake hands" with McGregor, saying: “From a fighter’s point of view, (the McGregor rivalry) is a thing of the past,” the Russian said in quotes reported by MMA Junkie.
“I have nothing to prove. But he has something to prove, we know he does.
"There’s a lot of businessmen here and I think most of them will tell me to fight him because it’ll bring money. I'd fight all the main contenders first, and I could fight him to benefit my agricultural projects.
“I have to say that Tony Ferguson deserves it more. You have to give him credit. He is on a 12-fight win streak and he deserves it more than Conor.
"Conor should come back, win, earn his place and get in line."
Nurmagomedov added: “I’m not ready to shake his hand right now.
“When a person continues to behave this way, it means that it’s his nature. So I’m not ready to shake his hand until he realizes something.
“If a person apologizes and accepts his mistakes, we have to excuse him.”
'The Notorious' has been tipped to return to UFC later this year or early in 2020 - but a match-up against Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje appears much more likely.
However, Gaethje says he has tried "every route there is" to set up a clash with McGregor, telling the Irishman he "either needs to go away or fight".
Gaethje said: "I wrote him a message like f**king seven months ago just trying to be his friend.
"I’ve tried every route. I’m trying reverse psychology. I’m trying to be his friend.
"I’m trying every f**king route that there is to draw this man out. And I can't draw him out."
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