It’s been over six years since Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated Conor McGregor to defend his UFC light-weight title, however the rivalry between the fighters continues to be going robust … at the least for one in every of them.
Following a heartbreaking loss to Usman Nurmagomedov on the current PFL occasion in Dubai, Paul Hughes paid respect to his opponent and his group, which incorporates Khabib as his head coach. Hughes made certain all of them knew that he didn’t symbolize a few of the vile issues mentioned in the direction of them previously. It was an apparent reference to McGregor, who hardly ever misses an opportunity to insult Khabib, and anybody else related to the Nurmagomedov clan, and he even turned on Hughes for trying to make peace with them after his battle.
For his half, Usman believes McGregor is finally nonetheless dwelling on his loss to Khabib and that’s led to an unhinged obsession along with his complete household.
“Possibly as a result of Khabib kicked his ass,” Nurmagomedov instructed MMA Preventing when addressing McGregor. “He desires a rematch however he has to reside with this all his life and his children should reside with this all his life.
“When his children will develop up, when his children are 18 [years old], folks will say ‘hey your father tried to do some loopy stuff however some man from Dagestan got here to America and kicked your father’s ass.’ That’s it. That’s why he can’t sleep even.”
Usman believes that McGregor has largely tied his complete legacy to that lone battle towards Khabib, which didn’t finish properly for him and he’s by no means gotten previous it.
Since dropping to Khabib again in 2018. McGregor has solely fought 3 times with a 1-2 file and he hasn’t really competed since 2021 when he suffered a ugly damaged leg in his battle towards Dustin Poirier.
In the meantime, Khabib defended his UFC light-weight title two extra instances after beating McGregor, after which he retired from the game after making a promise to his mom following the tragic dying of his father throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He has to reside with this and move with this,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “All his household, all his legacy, all this, is round this. He misplaced to Khabib when needed to win. But it surely [did not] occur. Khabib smashed his face, his group and all for what he was working [for].
“When Khabib beat him, he [did not] come again to preventing, even for all times I feel. He’s going to drink. He’s going to beat some ladies. He’s silly.”
As a lot as McGregor may obsess over his dangerous blood with Khabib, his cousin, who’s the present Bellator light-weight champion, is aware of his household’s legacy is a lot larger than anybody battle.
Even now Usman appears like Khabib continues to be including to his resume as a result of he could also be retired from competitors however he’s now grow to be one of many prime coaches within the sport — an accolade his father would absolutely love.
“Khabib’s legacy continues,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “We’re not calling this Khabib’s legacy. We’re calling this Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s legacy due to him, he started this. That is our uncle’s legacy.
“In fact, Khabib did so much. Khabib [did] nearly greater than half. After Islam [Makhachev], now it’s me [and] Umar [Nurmagomedov], we’re attempting to proceed on this. Alhamdulillah, we’ve got an enormous legacy and I feel we’re going to be on the highest for a few years extra.”
In relation to his emotions in the direction of Hughes after their battle, Nurmagomedov doesn’t maintain onto any animosity and fact be instructed he by no means really had an issue with the irish fighter.
Nurmagomedov is aware of a part of drumming up curiosity in a battle is discovering methods to get folks to tune it and watch and promoting his battle with Hughes as “Dagestan vs. Eire” was the proper recipe for fulfillment.
“Earlier than battle, I mentioned Paul Hughes is just not a foul man,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “I met with him in Dubai, and he’s not a foul man. He’s not some shit man. He’s an excellent man. However we’ve got to advertise this battle.
“That’s why it was calling Eire versus Dagestan. Due to this our area was full. Coca-Cola Enviornment was full. The entire world was watching this battle. It’s superb.”
