The mixed martial arts legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has expressed his desire to see his former rival, Conor McGregor, take a new direction in his life. Nurmagomedov, 36, defeated McGregor in 2018 in a fight that generated great expectation and rivalry. The confrontation culminated with Nurmagomedov submitting McGregor. After the fight, Nurmagomedov jumped out of the octagon to continue a fight with McGregor’s team. Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 as undefeated champion. McGregor, with a 1-2 record in the UFC after his fight with Nurmagomedov, has faced various legal issues, including a civil case of sexual assault in 2024.
Nurmagomedov added that he believes McGregor still has the opportunity to change his life. “If he changes, he can change many other lives too. That’s why I wish him to change himself. If he doesn’t change, it will be a punishment all his life.” These statements contrast with Nurmagomedov’s comments about McGregor in the years following their rivalry, when McGregor made comments about Nurmagomedov’s personal life. In 2019, Nurmagomedov stated that the rivalry “will never end”. McGregor hasn’t fought since he suffered a leg fracture in July 2021, during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier. However, the 37-year-old fighter has recently rejoined the UFC’s mandatory testing pool, in preparation for a possible return.This is a punishment, but the most beautiful thing is that Allah always gives the opportunity to return. I think he has a chance. He has to change his way of life.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
