K. Nurmagomedov (left) provokes McGregor after his rival's retirement announcement. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
After the announcement of the retirement of Conor McGregor, in the early hours of this Tuesday (26), an old rival did not miss the opportunity to provoke the Irishman. The Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov took to Twitter and needled his declared enemy.
“There can only be one lion in the jungle, just one,” Khabib wrote on the microblog.
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the rivalry
Khabib and McGregor have a long history of provocations in their UFC careers. The two faced each other in October 2018, UFC 229. On that occasion, the Russian prevailed and defended his lightweight belt.
Throughout the promotion of the fight, the Irishman severely provoked the Russian, making negative references to his family and religion. The fact did not go down well with Khabib, who, shortly after the fight, provoked a widespread fight by jumping over the bars of the Octagon in an attempt to attack one of Conor's trainers.
The fight ended with Nurmagomedov forcing the 'Notorious' to tap out after being caught in a jawlock. After the battle, several rumors began to emerge about a possible rematch between the two, however, after the announcement of McGregor's retirement, the plans were frustrated.
In early 2019, nearly three months after the fight, both fighters received punishments from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC). Khabib was suspended for nine months, in addition to having to pay US$500 (around R$1,8 million); Conor received a milder sentence, being suspended for six months and a discount of US$50 (around R$180) on his account.
There can be only one king in the jungle.
Only ☝ pic.twitter.com/BuqVNUkoR0— Khabib Nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) March 26th, 2019
McGregor's career
Conor McGregor, 30 years old, built a career with 21 wins and four losses. The biggest pay-per-view seller in UFC history arrived at the event without much prestige in 2013. But with his provocative style outside the octagon and aggressive style inside the fight area, he soon won over fans and enemies around the world
The 'Notorious' teased José Aldo for many years looking for a title fight until defeating the Brazilian with a devastating knockout, in just 12 seconds, at UFC 194, in December 2015 and taking the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg.).
In 2016, Conor etched his name into history once again. At UFC 205, he knocked out Eddie Alvarez, won the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) and became the first fighter to be simultaneously champion in two divisions.
In 2017, McGregor ventured into boxing and challenged undefeated champion Floyd Mayweather. The Irishman was knocked out in the 10th round, but left the superfight with a purse of US$100 million.
His return to the UFC took place in 2018 with another great rivalry, this time with Khabib Nurmagomedov. During the promotion of the fight, Conor was arrested in March for breaking into a parking lot hunting the Russian for a 'settlement of scores'. The duel took place at UFC 229, in October, and the Irishman ended up submitting in the fourth round.
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