Consensus MMA GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke to Brett Okamoto from ESPN in the wake of UFC 264. The event captured everyone’s attention and ‘The Eagle’ had some thoughts on the marquee main event of the card. Conor McGregor was defeated by Dustin Poirier in the rubber match after sustaining a fight-ending injury in round 1.
McGregor snapped his leg in the dying moments of round one and the fight was called off by Herb Dean. Khabib Nurmagomedov believed that Poirier’s showcase in round one was enough to determine that he was the superior fighter at the point in their career.
“I think like one more time Dustin show us he is on another level than Conor right now. Because of hungry, Because of focus, Because of this sport don’t care about who you are. This sport care about only hard work. If you want to be on top, you have to train always, not only in training camp when UFC give you fight. No, you have to train always. This sport has a lot of hungry lions, very hungry.”
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Nurmagomedov has always put a lot of stock into being well prepared for a fight and constantly embracing the grind. Poirier has become the epitome of a gritty fighter and Khabib Nurmagomedov couldn’t help but acknowledge what he has done.
Moreover, ‘The Eagle’ pointed out the in the lightweight division which is chalked with dangerous contenders, constant training is the only way forward.
Also Read: UFC 264 Starring Conor McGregor Breaks Record with 1.8 Million World Wide PPV Buys
Can Conor McGregor bounce back to form?
The Irishman has sustained a major injury that promises to keep him on the sidelines for the entirety of the year. He underwent immediate surgery on his left leg that lasted three hours and will be on crutches for 6 weeks.
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Many questioned whether Conor McGregor would even return to fighting after suffering such a decisive setback. However, McGregor and his team have both said that a return is anticipated and he’ll be back with a vengeance.
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While the fourth fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier is targeted next, there are other match-ups out there. McGregor is ranked number 7 in the division and is still very much in the running to contest for UFC gold.
Read this story: UFC Champions Who Never Successfully Defended Their Belts
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