Khabib Nurmagomedov tried to kill Conor McGregor at their historic UFC 229 clash six years ago. The usually respectful and laidback Nurmagomedov, of course, was incensed and infuriated by McGregor and his trash-talking. The bombastic Irishman used every ounce of his legendary wit and verbosity to insult not only Khabib himself but everything ‘The Eagle’ holds dear- his family, country, and even religion.

Predictably, this caused the then-lightweight champion to come into the fight mad, bad, and angry. Just how mad, bad, and angry? In a recent interview on the ‘Inspire Me’ podcast, the undefeated fighter claimed that he was so emotional that he wanted to “eat someone’s heart.”

Since there was no one else in the octagon with him except Conor McGregor, it is clear whose heart exactly he wanted to eat. And while the Dagestani didn’t quite manage to accomplish that, he did the next best thing- choked out ‘Mac’, spit on him, and beat up his team. Fans, of course, need not be reminded of the absolute pandemonium and chaos that followed their UFC 229 clash.

Nurmagomedov, of course, jumped out of the cage to beat up Dillon Danis in ‘Mac’s corner, while two of Nurmagomedov’s Dagestani cohort started attacking a hapless McGregor until the security intervened. And fans were impressed and concerned in equal measure on hearing about Khabib’s raw rage and anger going into the fight, as they made clear on social media.

Fans react to Khabib’s unbridled rage for Conor McGregor going into UFC 229

One fan felt that Khabib’s ominous feelings and murderous intent were on par with some of the best trash-talk by Mike ‘I will eat your children’ Tyson: “Damn, that’s Mike Tyson-level cold right there. 😨” 

Another couldn’t help but marvel at the extent of Nurmagomedov’s fury for McGregor and felt that ‘The Eagle’ might really have tried to kill ‘Mac’ if the referee hadn’t made him let go of the neck-crank he had the Irishman in: “F**k that’s cold… I truly believe khabib would have taken Conor’s life in that octagon if herb wasn’t there”

Another fan felt that Khabib had given the Dubliner an even deeper wound, hurting his ego and self-belief, an injury ‘Mac’ has yet to heal from: “He instead bit his soul. Now Conor is finished, both inside and outside the cage.”

Another seriously felt that this amount of hate and anger was unhealthy and advised ‘The Eagle’ to seek professional help and suggested he get some counseling to deal with these emotions: “Bro needs therapy – that ain’t normal”

One fan loudly and angrily pointed out that the Dagestani could have tried to hurt McGregor even more if he had said yes to the rematch everyone, including ‘Mac’, Dana White, and the fans were desperate for: “COULDVE TRIED AGAIN IN REMATCH FOR 50 MILLION.” What are your thoughts on Khabib’s feelings going into the McGregor fight?