The Russian defeated the former two-division champion back in 2018, but the pair have been involved in several war of words online since their clash
The Russian defeated the former two-division champion back in 2018, but the pair have been involved in several war of words online since their clash The Russian defeated the former two-division champion back in 2018, but the pair have been involved in several war of words online since their clash
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has launched a scathing attack on Irish MMA as well as seemingly reigniting his long-time rivalry with Conor McGregor.
‘The Eagle’ will go down as one of the most dominant fighters in the history of the UFC. After making his promotional debut in 2012, the Russian captured lightweight gold six years later following a scintillating performance over Al Iaquinta. Nurmagomedov and McGregor went toe-to-toe in October 2018 in what was billed as the biggest fight in the history of MMA.
The build-up was marred by controversy as the pair engaged in a brutal war of words. In the end, it was Nurmagomedov who got his hand raised after submitting ‘The Notorious.’ Immediately after the lightweight title fight, the Russian sparked chaos outside the cage, fighting members of Team McGregor – with security being forced to intervene.
Nurmagomedov retired two years later after defeating Justin Gaethje to extend his professional record to 29-0. Despite a rematch with McGregor never coming to fruition, the two men have engaged in several verbal spats online since their first encounter. After hanging up his gloves, the Russian has transitioned into the world of coaching.
He is now coaching world champions in the UFC, Bellator and PFL. Khabib’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Northern Ireland’s Paul Hughes. While it’s just another fight for Usman, pressure has been added to the undefeated star as the bout is being billed as a rematch between the two regions.
That said, Khabib sees no rivalry as he insists Russia is more superior. In an interview with PFL ahead of the event, he said: “Brother, Ireland don’t have fighters, brother. Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor]. And who else? There is no fighters, brother.
“You come Dagestan, you can understand. You know, so many organizations, they don’t even sign Dagestan fighters because they worry about like, everybody can become champion. Let’s be honest: Dagestan level of MMA here (raises arm high). But Ireland level, like not even half of Dagestan level.”
Despite name-dropping Hughes, the MMA star refused to engage in a tirade online with the Russian as he simply tweeted: “Just wait and see.” After mentioning McGregor, while he hasn’t responded yet, it’s only a matter of time before the former two-division champion takes to social media and offer his thoughts on Nurmagomedov’s comments.
Mirror – Sport