The world of mixed martial arts witnessed one of its most intense rivalries when Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor faced off in the octagon. Their feud, which began long before their epic clash at UFC 229, continues to reverberate through the sport even years later. A recent incident involving UFC legend Daniel Cormier shaking hands with McGregor sparked a furious response from Khabib, highlighting the enduring nature of their animosity.
The origins of a heated rivalry
The bad blood between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor began to simmer long before their fateful encounter in the UFC. Their rivalry was fueled by a series of events that escalated tensions between the two fighters :
- McGregor’s rise to prominence in the lightweight division
- Khabib’s undefeated streak and dominant wrestling style
- A heated exchange involving Khabib and McGregor’s teammate, Artem Lobov
- McGregor’s infamous bus attack targeting Khabib
These incidents set the stage for what would become one of the most anticipated fights in UFC history. The build-up to their clash was marked by intense verbal sparring, cultural tensions, and a palpable sense of animosity that transcended the usual pre-fight hype.
The culmination of this rivalry came at UFC 229, where Khabib Nurmagomedov showcased his elite wrestling prowess and ultimately submitted McGregor with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round. However, the aftermath of the fight, which included a post-match brawl, only served to deepen the rift between the two fighters and their respective camps.
Khabib’s legacy and McGregor’s struggles
Following his victory over McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov continued to cement his legacy as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time. His career trajectory included :
| Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | Win | Submission |
| Justin Gaethje | Win | Submission |
These victories solidified Khabib’s status as the UFC lightweight king before he decided to retire with an unblemished record. His decision to hang up his gloves at the peak of his career only added to his mystique and left fans wondering what could have been had he continued to compete.
In contrast, Conor McGregor’s career took a different turn after his loss to Khabib. The Irish fighter has struggled to recapture his former glory, managing only one victory since their encounter. His recent record includes :
- A first-round finish over Donald Cerrone
- Back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier
- An extended hiatus from the sport
Despite these setbacks, McGregor’s star power remains undeniable, and rumors of his potential return to the octagon continue to circulate among fans and media alike.
The handshake that sparked Khabib’s fury
The enduring nature of the Khabib-McGregor feud was brought into sharp focus when UFC legend Daniel Cormier found himself caught in the crossfire. Cormier, a former teammate and close friend of Khabib, recounted an incident that occurred in Abu Dhabi :
“I saw Conor McGregor in Abu Dhabi, maybe when he was fighting Dustin Poirier,” Cormier revealed on his YouTube channel. “We were shaking hands, talking a little bit, and very kind of chummy.”
This seemingly innocuous interaction drew the ire of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who expressed his displeasure to Cormier in no uncertain terms :
“Brother, I don’t understand this ! If I see Conor with his wife, I’ll shake his hand, because that’s what you’re supposed to do. But brother…”
Khabib’s reaction underscores the depth of his feelings towards McGregor and highlights the cultural and personal dimensions of their rivalry. It also raises questions about the nature of sportsmanship and reconciliation in the high-stakes world of professional fighting.
Future prospects and lingering tensions
As Khabib Nurmagomedov enjoys his retirement, the MMA world continues to speculate about Conor McGregor’s future. The Irish fighter has teased a potential return to the octagon, with rumors swirling about possible opponents and venues :
- A potential bout with sixth-ranked UFC lightweight Dan Hooker
- Discussions about a February fight date
- Interest in hosting events in Saudi Arabia
However, McGregor’s plans remain uncertain, with potential opponents like Hooker ruling themselves out of contention. The former dual-weight champion’s relationship with boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh suggests that his future involvement in combat sports may extend beyond the octagon and into the business realm.
As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, the legacy of the Khabib-McGregor rivalry remains a defining feature of the sport’s recent history. Their feud serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and cultural clashes that can arise in the world of professional fighting, even as both men move forward in their respective careers and lives.
