In the UFC multiverse, rivalries often burn brightly, but eventually, they fade away. The reputed promotion has bore witness to some of the most iconic rivalries over the years, from the likes of Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz to Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz. However, one feud has continued to smolder long after the final bell rang – the legendary clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
It’s been five years since ‘The Eagle’ soared to victory against ‘The Notorious’ at UFC 229. Now, on his 35th birthday, ‘The Eagle’ is yet again trying to reaffirm his dominance over the Irish superstar. What’s more – ‘The Eagle’s jibe at ‘The Notorious’ takes us down the memory lane, way back to the UFC 229 PPV. So, how has the UFC legend stirred the pot this time? Let’s find out!
Khabib Nurmagomedov reignites rivalry with Conor McGregor
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Khabib Nurmagomedov, a UFC Hall of Famer, faced off against his long-standing rival and former double champion, Conor McGregor, at UFC 229. This blockbuster showdown unfolded at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and set a record as the second-highest-grossing event in UFC history.
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Now, almost 5 years after the iconic event, ‘The Eagle’ has made another controversial jibe at his arch-nemesis. Taking to his Instagram story, Nurmagomedov posted this ‘UFCEURASIA’ reel featuring a snippet of their clash. But the twist was in the story’s caption. His IG story’s caption, translated into English, read: “It happened. But the dialogue never materialized.”
The feud between these two fighters was marked by personal attacks, targeting family, religion, and teammates. While ‘The Notorious’ has often taken to social media to stoke the embers, Khabib’s recent IG story shows that he’s not one to back down. Despite his apparent stoicism, ‘The Eagle’ seems determined to remind the Irishman that their war of words has never truly ended.
Revisiting the iconic rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov
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Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov stand as two of UFC’s biggest stars, their rivalry etched in legend. But do you know what ignited the bad blood between the duo? The beef between the duo escalated when Khabib and his team confronted the Irishman’s friend, Artem Lobov. The sudden turn of events sparked legal battles and escalating tensions. Likewise, UFC 229 – the climax of years of animosity, became a global spectacle.
The Irishman’s unrelenting drive to unsettle ‘The Eagle’ included intense trash-talk and a fierce recovery from a pre-fight toe injury. Fight night buzzed with anticipation as McGregor taunted, but Khabib stayed composed, sticking to his game plan. Therefore, Nurmagomedov’s victory in the fourth round via a rear-naked chokehold should have ended the feud. However, post-fight chaos loomed as the Dagestani leaped from the octagon to attack McGregor’s cornermen, while McGregor brawled with Khabib’s team.
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Their first clash shattered pay-per-view records and captivated the world. Even to this day, fans still ponder a rematch. The McGregor-Khabib feud is a pivotal UFC chapter, cementing its legacy as one of the sport’s greatest rivalries. But it seems like the beef between these two UFC icons is far from over. What do you think of ‘The Eagle’s grim reminder to ‘The Notorious’? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Watch this story: Conor McGregor Gives a Fired-Up Speech During TUF 31