Conor McGregor-Khabib Nurmagomedov rematch should happen this year, says UFC president

Dana White sees no reason why Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov cannot do battle again in the next 12 months.

Khabib Nurmagomedov beat Conor McGregor at UFC 229.

UFC president Dana White believes a rematch between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov should happen this year.

McGregor was defeated by Khabib in the fourth round of the Irishman's return to the octagon after nearly a two-year hiatus in October. The highly anticipated bout was overshadowed by an ugly brawl after the Russian's win.

McGregor and Khabib were banned from fighting as the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) investigated the unsavoury scenes that came after their bout at UFC 229.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission postponed a hearing on the suspensions last month, but White is optimistic they will do battle again in the next 12 months. "I think a lot of people want to see that fight. Obviously we still haven't gone before the Nevada State Athletic Commission, that's got to happen." he told TMZ Sports .

"When that does we can work out how this whole thing plays out."

White added: "As long as everything goes right, this fight should happen."