In the main event of UFC 229, Nurmagomedov and McGregor had their expected match, both had an intense trash talk where they talked about their families and religion, among other things. But when it came time to fight, the two settled their differences in the Octagon, with Khabib winning by completion in the fourth round.
It’s been two years since the fight, Nurmagomedov admitted that he was very emotional and tried to hurt McGregor when they met. He explained that his strategy was not smart and influenced his performance.
“Yeah, I tried to hurt this guy and it was my mistake. When you get angry, you are tired. When trying to punish him, was very emotional, ” said Nurmagomedov to Din Thomas in the last episode of Lookin ‘For A Fight of Dana White. “And I think not, I’m going to calm down now. But not this time. ”
Since the fight was announced, McGregor indicated that he was not mentally ready for the fight and knows that in the rematch he can beat Nurmagomedov. However, it’s interesting to hear the champion say that he didn’t give his best given how dominant he was in that fight.
Conor McGregor will return to the Octagon tomorrow in the UFC 257 main event against Dustin Poirier. It will be his first fight after knocking out Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. If the Irishman beats Poirier again, perhaps he can have his rematch against Nurmagomedov, something he has long sought.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, for his part, retired from the sport after submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Dana White has done his best to bring the lightweight champion back for one more fight and hopes that a rematch with McGregor is an option.
