CONOR McGREGOR risks being “plagued” for the rest of his life by defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov, unless he beats the Russian in a rematch, according to Sylvester Stallone.
At UFC 229 in October lightweight champion Nurmagomedov, 30, forced McGregor, 30, to submit in four rounds handing The Notorious his second defeat in the octagon.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Stallone, most famous for playing Rocky Balboa in the Rocky franchise movies, insisted McGregor must avenge his defeat to Nurmagomedov or else be “plagued”.
Stallone said: “This is probably the most important one because if he doesn’t live up to his ideal – if he can’t overcome his fear and beat this man, I think it’ll plague him for the rest of his life.
“(McGregor should tell himself) ‘Okay, I’ve gone through a very rough time. I’ve been somewhat publicly humiliated.
“I’m at a crossroad in my life – I have to overcome an incredible opponent who seems invulnerable’.
“This is a crossroad in his life.”
RETURN OF THE MAC
McGregor has not fought since that humbling defeat last year – and after he and Nurmagomedov were involved in a post-fight brawl, suspension followed for the duo.
That saw the Irishman hit with a six month suspension, which expires in April.
McGregor already revealed he is “currently in negotiations” over his next UFC fight, and suggested July will be the timeframe.
The 30-year-old has been spending time on holiday in America with his family, but on March 11, he was arrested in Miami for allegedly smashing a fan’s phone after taking it out of his hand.
He has since been released posting his £9,450 bond.
While in Boston for St.Patrick’s day, McGregor gave a speech to NHL outfit Boston Bruins before their their 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.
