Khabib Nurmagomedov has tipped his old rival Conor McGregor to beat Dustin Poirier on Saturday - but only if he ends the fight within two rounds.
The Russian is in Abu Dhabi to witness the lightweight rematch at UFC 257 between the two fighters, with McGregor the overwhelming favourite to emerge victorious again.
McGregor beat Poirier by first-round knockout back in 2014, and has predicted to end this encounter in 60 seconds.
Poirier has vastly improved since, and while Nurmagomedov sees a McGregor victory as the most likely outcome, he did concede the American could spring a surprise.
"Just two rounds - Conor," Nurmagomedov predicted on the UFC's Lookin' For a Fight series.
"Early, it's Conor. But, third round, number four, I think Dustin can beat this guy."
McGregor is still hopeful of tempting Nurmagomedov out of retirement and into a rematch, as he looks to avenge his 2018 defeat.
Nurmagomedov called time on his career last year with an unbeaten 29-0 record, but after discussions with UFC president Dana White, he admitted he could be persuaded back into the Octagon for "something spectacular".
A blockbuster rematch with McGregor would certainly meet those requirements.
But as much as McGregor is keen to face his rival again, he is not expecting champion Nurmagomedov to follow through with his declaration.
"I would make a case that if that man [Nurmagomedov] is continuing to dodge this and dodge the commitment of competing again, the title should be stripped and we should be engaging in a title fight," McGregor said.
"But I'm sure it will happen after this bout, I'm interested to hear the excuses or what will be said after the fight but I predict a title strip."
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McGregor is fully focused on overcoming the challenge from Poirier first though.
"I have so many weapons in my arsenal, they are all fine-tuned, I'm in a phenomenal place," he said at his press conference.
"I look forward to getting out and showcasing them, painting my picture and putting on a beautiful performance for the fans around the world."
