Khabib (left) McGregor (right) heated up the atmosphere before UFC 229. Photo: Reproduction / YouTube
The climate warmed even more between Conor McGregor e Khabib Nurmagomedov. The fighters, who will duel at UFC 229, an event that takes place on the 6th, in Las Vegas (USA), took their rivalry to another level in the first press conference to promote the show. As expected, the athletes were asked about the confusion at UFC 223, in April, when the Irishman invaded backstage at the Media Day to fight with the Russian.
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When asked by a reporter about what was going through his mind at that moment, McGregor said he thanked Jesus that Khabib didn't get off the bus, because, according to him, his rival would be killed.
“I just thank the Lord Jesus Christ that this guy (Khabib) didn't have the courage to step off the bus to face me. Because he would be dead and we wouldn't be selling pay-per-view now”, said Conor, remembering that the event could break records for PPV package sales in the USA and Canada.
In turn, Nurmagomedov, in a calm tone, eased the situation. He said he was not bothered by the situation. The Russian even said that he had a friendly meeting with his rival backstage at the press conference.
“That didn’t bother me at all. He (McGregor) showed his weaknesses. He was a good guy behind the scenes, but he comes in front of the cameras and does this,” he fired, without first being interrupted by McGregor, who fired back. “My hands are here, without weapons. Come on,” he snapped.
Afterwards, the Irishman did not miss the opportunity to promote the event, reveal that his company will participate in promoting the fight and even advertise his new whiskey brand, 'Proper Twelve'.
“I could talk about a lot of things, but there are still many more happening. On October 6th we will compete, in the octagon set up in Las Vegas. Get UFC 229 pay-per-view! My company is associated with this event and we are going to celebrate by drinking lots of whiskey”, he added.
Remember what happened
The confusion caused by McGregor began the week of UFC 223, in April. In this ocasion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was in the main fight of the event, framed McGregor's friend Artem Lobov at the hotel where the athletes were staying. The Irishman did not like the Russian's attitude and accompanied by 10 partners, including Lobov, invaded the Barclays Center, where the UFC 223 Media Day was held. Looking for Khabib, McGregor and his associates threw several targets at the bus carrying the athletes (see videos below). In the confusion, Michael chiesa and Ray Borg, who would fight at UFC 223 and were in the vehicle, were injured and removed from the show. Immediately, the New York Police issued an arrest warrant for McGregor, who surrendered to authorities the following day.
The Irishman was released after paying bail of US$50 and at the trial, held in June, he declared he regretted his actions and avoided going to jail, being only responsible for bearing the costs of the breakdown he caused.
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