Joe Rogan Reveals How Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov Can Squash Their Beef

Joe Rogan explains the key steps Conor McGregor must take for any chance of ending his long-running feud with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Joe Rogan Reveals How Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov Can Squash Their Beef

Joe Rogan talk about Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor's rivalry (via BBC, Playoffs)

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The UFC has seen many heated rivalries, but few have reached the level of animosity associated with Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Their feud grew into one of the promotion’s most defining storylines, extending far beyond competitive stakes. Joe Rogan recently revisited the topic while discussing whether the tension between the two can ever genuinely be repaired.

Their UFC 229 meeting in 2018 became the peak of their hostility, intensified by McGregor repeatedly targeting Khabib’s religion and Dagestani heritage throughout the build-up. The fight ended with McGregor’s submission loss before tensions exploded outside the cage. Khabib’s leap into the crowd sparked a widespread brawl involving both teams and resulted in multiple sanctions.

The conflict resurfaced in 2025 during UFC 322, when Dillon Danis was involved in a brawl with members of the Dagestani entourage. Danis, a longtime McGregor associate, was the main SBG member Khabib had attacked in the UFC 229 melee. His presence at UFC 322 and involvement in another confrontation brought renewed attention to the longstanding issues and set the stage for Rogan’s comments.

They just ****** Dillon Danis up this past weekend. Did you see that? They don’t forget. Conor’s apology would have to be in private, and he would have to really mean it And you’d have to convince Khabib that you really mean it, because he just doesn’t play that game. That talking **** to sell a fight, he doesn’t play that game.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

Details later confirmed that the UFC 322 brawl escalated when Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov confronted Danis. AKA head coach Javier Mendez later revealed that Danis had displayed an illicit AI-generated video involving Islam Makhachev, who headlined the event. The confrontation quickly turned physical, leading to Danis being escorted from the arena by security.

Khabib has remained critical of McGregor in the years following UFC 229 and has continued to reference the insults directed at Dagestan and Islam during their rivalry. He also reposted McGregor’s recent 18-month suspension, which further fueled tensions. Many Dagestani supporters have similarly maintained their stance against the Irishman due to the nature of his past remarks.

The lasting impact of their conflict has shaped UFC history, with events such as the Brooklyn bus incident and UFC 229 contributing to record-breaking viewership. Their rivalry became one of the highest-grossing narratives in the sport. Joe Rogan’s recent remarks added another chapter to a feud that continues to influence UFC storylines and public interest.

Joe Rogan and UFC legend revisit the Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov rivalry

UFC 229 saw Khabib Nurmagomedov apply early grappling pressure, forcing Conor McGregor backward and controlling the pace. McGregor had brief success in striking exchanges, but the momentum shifted as the ‘Eagle’ dominated on the ground. The fight became increasingly one-sided, ending in the fourth round. Nurmagomedov secured a neck crank to finish the ‘Notorious One’.

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 229
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 229 (via X)

Joe Rogan and former UFC champion Mark Kerr recently revisited the bout, focusing on the sequences that highlighted Nurmagomedov’s control. They examined how McGregor’s output declined under sustained wrestling pressure. Their discussion centered on the fight’s technical pacing. The breakdown led to Rogan’s deeper analysis of how the momentum fully turned.

McGregor is trying to be nice to Nurmagomedov. That’s such dominance. Trying to be nice to a nice guy, like come on, you know what is going on. I think he could have just ripped that arm apart. He let him tap. He was so dominant, man. He was a will-taker. When he got on top of Conor, he’s like, ‘Let’s talk now, let’s talk now.’ Just beating his face in. Nurmagomedov could basically kill you. He’s the same size as you, if he wanted to, you’re dead. He was going to break his neck.

Joe Rogan via PowerfulJRE

In a broader sense, Rogan and Kerr’s reflections highlighted how UFC 229 shaped the legacies of both athletes. Their insights highlight Nurmagomedov’s dominance and McGregor’s difficulty adjusting under elite pressure. The fight remains a significant reference point in lightweight history.

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