Conor McGregor e Khabib Nurmagomedov made the most profitable fight in the UFC. Photo: UFC Reproduction
Even almost seven years after finishing Conor McGregor in the fourth round and successfully defend the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) for the first time in the main fight of UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov does not seem to have developed positive feelings for the Irishman. In an interview with 'HUSTLE' published this Tuesday (22), the former fighter made a point of taking a dig at his rival after the Notorious was involved in yet another series of scandals outside the octagon in recent weeks.
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When asked by journalist Adam Zubayraev if Ilia Topuria could become the “next Conor McGregor”, Nurmagomedov downplayed issues like popularity and was blunt in denying the possibility.
"No. He's a good guy. You can tell he's trying to be somebody. I don't think he will be," said the Russian.
Khabib is asked if he thinks Ilia Topuria can be the next Conor McGregor:
"No, [Ilia] is a good guy. You can tell he's trying to be someone."
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 22, 2025
Recalling the duel he fought with the Irishman in October 2018, the Eagle stated that he was not psychologically impacted by his rival's insults, while he noticed discomfort in McGregor shortly before the start of the fight.
"I don't think anything could have gone better during the preparation for the fight. I knew I had done everything right. If you watch the staredown in the center of the octagon before the fight, you'll remember he didn't look at me. He realized everything he had done hadn't worked and he would need to fight me. And it would be about skill, not mind games, and I was good at that too," he concluded.
K. Nurmagomedov chokes C. McGregor at UFC 229. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Khabib and McGregor faced off in the most profitable fight in MMA history
Exactly 4️⃣ years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov e Conor McGregor met in the Octagon in one of the greatest rivalries the sport has ever seen! Who remembers? pic.twitter.com/zBAep3nTpC
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) October 6, 2022
After building one of the most intense rivalries of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov e Conor McGregor stepped into the octagon to face each other in a duel valid for the Russian's first defense of his lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg). Despite the intense animosity, the Eagle dominated the fight from start to finish, securing the victory with a choke in the fourth round.
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