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The historic showdown between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229 remains one of the most talked-about fights in MMA history. The tension and trash talk went far beyond the cage, fueling a deep-seated rivalry that began back at the UFC 223 media day. That animosity reached its boiling point on October 6, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena, where both fighters left everything in the Octagon. The fight lived up to every expectation and became one of the most hyped events the UFC has ever seen. During the lead-up, McGregor attempted to get under Khabib’s skin, targeting his religion, family, and country with personal insults. Khabib Nurmagomedov, however, stayed silent, saving his response for the Octagon. Inside the cage, both men weren’t just battling for the title; they were fighting for honor ‘The Eagle’ emerged victorious, though the Irishman claimed the third round. The intensity of the fight electrified 20,034 fans packed into the arena. Now, nearly seven years later, Nurmagomedov reflects on what it was like to face Conor McGregor in that legendary fight. ADVERTISEMENT Khabib Nurmagomedov caps Conor McGregor victory with a “Maldives” vacation Khabib Nurmagomedov arrived in New York City ahead of UFC 322 to corner his friend and teammate Islam Makhachev before his welterweight debut. Before the bout, he took the opportunity to engage with the Muslim community during a public Q&A session. When asked about his legendary fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 229, which solidified his reputation as a superstar across the Muslim world, including the Middle East, he shared, “You know what? One thing is very, very beautiful in this world. When you don’t like somebody, you go inside the cage, you smash them, and they give you money. Outside of the cage, if you do this, you go to jail.” Nurmagomedov continued, “I was waiting for this moment for so long, and finally, I realized I can not only fight, I can talk, I can use this moment, and I can enjoy it. Like the way you go to the Maldives and enjoy, same thing. It was my vacation.” ADVERTISEMENT For Nurmagomedov, that Saturday night felt like a vacation inside the Octagon, but he didn’t up celebrating his win or basking in the glory of bearing the Irishman. Immediately after the fight, he leaped over the cage to confront Conor McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, who had been provoking him, sparking a brawl that resulted in multiple suspensions for fighters from both camps. ADVERTISEMENT Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Even years later, the tension between the two camps occasionally resurfaces on social media. While Khabib Nurmagomedov consistently refuses to mention McGregor’s name out of disdain, he still expresses hope that McGregor will change “how he is living.” Khabib Nurmagomedov expresses hope for Conor McGregor’s personal growth Much has changed since that October night in 2018. Nurmagomedov is now retired and has taken on his late father’s role as a coach, dedicating himself to guiding teammates and supporting his family. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has focused on fame and business ventures, including chartered flights, but has also faced numerous controversies and legal issues, from Nikita Hand to Azealia Banks, keeping him notorious in the MMA and sports world despite his influence as a fighter. ADVERTISEMENT Retired MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov hopes to see former rival Conor McGregor turn his life around. Conor McGregor, who went 1-2 in the UFC after their fight, has faced a series of legal challenges, including a civil s*xual assault case in 2024. Nurmagomedov said he doesn’t believe it’s too late for McGregor to change his lifestyle. “This is punishment, [but] the most beautiful part of this is Allah always give the chance to come back,” Nurmagomedov said during a speaking engagement Saturday in New York. “I think he has a chance. He has to change how he is living. Why am I talking about this? If he’s going to change, he can change with him so many other lives too. That’s why I wish him to change himself. If he’s not going to change, it will be punishment all his life.” How do you view the Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor rivalry today? Could the two fighters ever set aside their differences, knowing fans would love to see them back on the same stage? Share your thoughts below.
