Khabib Nurmagomedov Urges Conor McGregor To Change For His Fans: “This is His Punishment” 

UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about his old rival from UFC 229, Conor McGregor, and offers words of wisdom.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Urges Conor McGregor To Change For His Fans: “This is His Punishment” 

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants Conor McGregor to change for good (via X/Imago)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

In its 20 years of history, UFC has seen many intense rivalries featuring the biggest fighters and most brutal encounters ever. However, nothing in UFC history quite comes close to the level of bad blood between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Both fighters faced each other nearly seven years ago, but the hatred and tension between them remain fresh and very visible.

Despite his retirement from fighting, Nurmagomedov remains one of the most followed combat sports athletes across the entire globe. Recently, the undefeated former champion was seen in New York during a public appearance where he addressed several topics with the media. During the interview session, Nurmagomedov also got a chance to speak about his old rival, McGregor, and his downfall.

All the things going on right now with him, this is punishment…Allah always give us chance to come back… doesn’t matter how you bad…I think he have chance, and he have to change the way how he’s living.  If he gonna change, he can change with him so many other lives too. That’s why I wish him to change himself. 

Khabib Nurmagomedov via an Interview

After losing to Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, the ‘Notorious’ career took a steep downward spiral inside the octagon. He went on to suffer back-to-back defeats against Dustin Poirier, eventually breaking his leg in the process. Outside the cage, McGregor faced multiple controversies, including arrests, public outbursts, and a serious 2019 SA allegation that recently resurfaced in court.

He was found guilty in the civil lawsuit and had to give around $250K compensation to the victim. It has also damaged his reputation has already deeply affected his public and professional image. Once celebrated as a hardworking, determined fighter, McGregor inspired millions through his incredible rise and dominant performances inside the cage.

Fellow fighters once looked up to him, admiring his struggle from poverty to global stardom through dedication, charisma, and historic championship victories. Many young athletes have now turned their backs on him, no longer seeing him as a role model or inspiration for their fighting careers. In Ireland, too, his public image has suffered, with criticism growing louder about his lifestyle and legal troubles.

Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up about his beef with Conor McGregor at UFC 229

The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov began when the Irishman’s teammate Artem Lobov was confronted by the Dagestani in Brooklyn. Angered by the incident, McGregor flew from Ireland with his team to confront Nurmagomedov during UFC 223 fight week in New York.

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

The Irish fighters attacked a fighter bus carrying the ‘Eagle’ by throwing a metal dolly through the window, injuring several fighters. The infamous trolley attack led to multiple arrests and legal consequences, igniting one of UFC’s most intense personal feuds ever.

Tensions escalated before UFC 229, with personal insults involving religion, family, and nationality dominating press conferences and building massive hype worldwide. During the last press conferences, the Irish superstar came late, and in a recent interview, Nurmagomedov explained what happened. 

So I’m sitting there in the locker room. I didn’t say anything to anyone and I think to myself when there’s five minutes left, I’ll say I’m not doing it. Five minutes left. I said, ‘I’ll sit for 10 to 15 minutes. If he doesn’t show up, I’m out.’ I said, ‘Get the cars ready.’.. I told the producer, ‘I’m staying until 3:15, then I’m leaving.’.. Then he went to Dana [White] and told him. Dana came up to me, I said, ‘I’m not staying. I’ll stay for 15 minutes. I’m leaving.’ ‘Alright,’ he said, ‘OK, kid.’.. I left. Turns out he arrived like half an hour later.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Hustle Show #28

At UFC 229, Nurmagomedov dominated McGregor and won via submission, then leapt into the crowd, sparking a massive post-fight brawl. The incident led to fines and suspensions for both camps, deepening the animosity and leaving a permanent mark on UFC history. According to many fans, the Dagestani’s retirement extinguished the fire inside McGregor to ever perform at the highest level.

Also Read: