Khabib surprises with praise for McGregor and points to his main weapon for historic victory over rival

K. Nurmagomedov (left) and C. McGregor faced each other at UFC 229. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former lightweight champions (up to 70,3kg) of Ultimate, Khabib Nurmagomedov e Conor McGregor they staged one of the biggest rivalries in recent MMA history. Almost three years after winning the most watched fight in the sport, the Russian recalled the confrontation and surprised by praising the Irishman. The 'Eagle' also aimed his main weapon for success against the 'Notório'.

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“Patience and fairness are the keys to success. I could say he (McGregor) is bad at it, but that would be wrong for me. As a competitor, he is very good, he strikes very well. In our fight, however, I was on another level, mentally. It wasn't about who hit harder. It was about who is tougher mentally,” said Khabib, in an interview with 'TASS'.

For the confrontation in 2018, valid for the lightweight belt, Ultimate bet big and got it right. The promotion of the fight reached unprecedented levels until that moment and the great engagement in the dispute could influence the performance of the fighters. So, Nurmagomedov completed it.

“The whole world was watching us and the main thing was to control our emotions. We can go to striking, wrestling. We do this all our lives. However, when you enter a zone you've never been in, there are times when it's difficult to maintain your composure. That's why, at the time, I focused on my psychology, more than my physical. As a competitor, Conor is very good, but mentally, I am much stronger”, he concluded.

At the historic UFC 229, Khabib proved his superiority and emerged victorious with a submission in the fourth round. After the triumph, widespread confusion marked the end of the show. After the 'fight', both fighters were suspended from competitions as punishment.

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