K. Nurmagomedov chokes C. McGregor at UFC 229. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Retired since October 2020, Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to answer questions about Conor McGregor. This time, at a press conference held in Russia, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) was incisive in declaring that he could have killed the Irishman at UFC 229, if the duel had not been interrupted by the referee. On that occasion, the 'Águia' won by strangulation.
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“You saw what happened on October 6 (2018). If they removed Herb Dean (referee of the fight), you would understand what would happen. A person can die from a grip like that (strangulation). If you want, I can 'hang' you behind the curtains to see what would happen. When a person strangles you and does it for 30 years, it becomes a weapon,” Khabib said.
The athlete then implied that Dean, in fact, saved Conor's life, who showed no reaction to the action taken by the Russian. The former lightweight champion then reinforced that Herb's intervention was decisive for the integrity of the 'Notório'.
“He (Herb) removed my hands, took me out of position. We can imagine what would have happened,” he concluded.
The confrontation between Khabib and McGregor is in the history of MMA as the most watched fight in the sport. The duel was marked by provocations from the Irishman, who even insulted the Russian's religion and family.
The dispute, however, was also marked by widespread confusion that occurred after the confrontation. After being removed from the Irishman, Khabib jumped over the restraint fence and tried to attack a member of McGregor's team. The fight reached the stands and continued inside the octagon.
Days after the incident, both fighters were punished by the Athletic Commission. Nurmagomedov was unable to perform for nine months and the situation forced the UFC to create an interim belt for the division.
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