UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov sent a message to Conor McGregor via Instagram amidst reports of a planned UFC 229 bout between both men.

Khabib Nurmagomedov wanted to make it clear that the next steps towards finding a solution to the McGregor problem will not involve buses or dollies. However, Nurmagomedov did not include Monster energy drink cans in his statement so it’s safe to assume they’re fair game.

If there is one thing that both men have in common, it’s their pride. Nurmagomedov already proved he can get under the skin of the master of getting under people’s skin. McGregor, usually at his best when he is not facing criminal charges, lost control and attacked an innocent bus in an attempt to lure Nurmagomedov out. This all stemmed from Nurmagomedov pulling Artem Lobov aside days before his title fight to confront him about statements he made in the past.

As far as I know at the moment @TheNotoriousMMA agrees to fight with @TeamKhabib. And what I know now the case rests on Conor's fee. As for Khabib, the question of money for him does not play a major role. #UFC229 — MMA TEAM DAGESTAN (@MMATeamDagestan) May 19, 2018

Nurmagomdov expressed interest in returning to competition in November, hoping to fight at Madison Square Garden for the second time. The “bear whisperer” might not get his way if there is any truth to the report above. It’s worth adding that Dana White was also firm in stating that a fight of this magnitude belongs in Las Vegas.

Keep your dukes up when you see me.

See you soon. pic.twitter.com/M2KX5HZ90F — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 23, 2018

Think it’s best if Artem Lobov stays out of the build up to this fight just in case he decides to handle McGregor’s work for him and jeopardizes the grudge match in the process. The Siberian Express has proven he cannot be stopped, which makes McGregor very fortunate to have him in his corner.

Dana White’s scheduled meeting with McGregor in Liverpool has been pushed back to sometime this week. White stated that he will meet with the former UFC lightweight champion for the first time since the bus incident and that he cannot commit to anything until McGregor has his day in court in June.