In a recent interview with Complex, Conor McGregor delivered a blistering assessment of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career, dismissing the former lightweight champion’s record and achievements. The remarks mark McGregor’s latest foray into the legacy debate between two of the division’s most notable figures following their high-profile clash at UFC 229 in October 2018.
McGregor’s key criticisms of Nurmagomedov
Asked to compare Khabib’s resume with that of Georges St-Pierre, McGregor refused to acknowledge Nurmagomedov as a legitimate all-time great. “Come on, the guy has done nothing in the sport,” McGregor said, highlighting that Khabib amassed just 13 fights in the UFC, with only three against recognised opponents. He challenged the narrative around Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten 29-0 run, insisting his sole win over a top-tier name was against McGregor himself.
McGregor also revisited his own circumstances heading into UFC 229, insisting he returned to the octagon after a two-year layoff, a broken toe and various personal commitments. “I come back and fight this f—ing guy,” he said. He argued that Khabib never registered a stoppage victory in the UFC and pointed to Nurmagomedov’s limited knockout tally as further proof of an overrated résumé.
Context of the UFC 229 showdown
When the pair met in Las Vegas, Nurmagomedov secured a fourth-round submission to hand McGregor his first UFC defeat. The bout remains the highest-selling pay-per-view in UFC history, but McGregor suggested his performance was hampered by injury and distractions outside the cage. He referred to a Netflix documentary that revealed a foot fracture sustained weeks before the fight, arguing that such factors justified his loss but undermined the significance of Khabib’s victory.
Despite the submission win, McGregor downplayed Nurmagomedov’s credentials, accusing him of having fought the majority of his early contests on “his father’s shows in the middle of nowhere”. He insisted that many of Khabib’s opponents entered the UFC without a fight record, thereby providing a skewed impression of dominance.
Legacy debate reignited
McGregor’s comments arrive amid ongoing discussions about the greatest lightweight fighters in MMA history. By dismissing Nurmagomedov’s achievements and questioning the quality of his opposition, McGregor has thrust the conversation back into the spotlight. Fans and pundits alike are likely to revisit both fighters’ careers, comparing Khabib’s unbeaten run and championship reign with McGregor’s knockout power and crossover appeal.
While Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have traded insults since their bout, this latest rant underscores the enduring tension between two former champions whose legacies remain intertwined by one of the sport’s most memorable encounters.
As the sport continues to evolve, McGregor’s barbed remarks ensure that the debate over who stands above in the lightweight pantheon is far from settled.
FAQ
What did Conor McGregor say about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC record?
McGregor claimed Nurmagomedov “has done nothing in the sport” despite a 13-fight run in the UFC, arguing that only three of those bouts were against recognised opponents.
Where and when did McGregor and Nurmagomedov fight?
The two met at UFC 229 in October 2018 in Las Vegas, where Khabib Nurmagomedov won by submission in the fourth round. That event remains the UFC’s highest-selling pay-per-view.
In what interview did McGregor make these remarks?
Conor McGregor made the comments during a new interview with Complex, where he was asked to compare the legacies of Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
What reasons did McGregor give for his performance at UFC 229?
McGregor cited a two-year layoff, legal issues, heavy partying and a broken toe sustained three weeks before the fight as factors that impacted his performance against Nurmagomedov.
