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 certainly one of them.
Following a heartbreaking loss to Usman Nurmagomedov on the latest PFL occasion in Dubai, Paul Hughes paid respect to his opponent and his crew, which incorporates Khabib as his head coach. Hughes made positive all of them knew that he didn’t characterize a few of the vile issues stated in direction of them prior to now. It was an apparent reference to McGregor, who not often misses an opportunity to insult Khabib, and anybody else related to the Nurmagomedov clan, and he even turned on Hughes for attempting to make peace with them after his fight.
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 whole household.
“Perhaps as a result of Khabib kicked his ass,” Nurmagomedov advised MMA Combating when addressing McGregor. “He desires a rematch however he has to stay with this all his life and his youngsters need to stay with this all his life.
“When his youngsters will develop up, when his youngsters 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 not sleep even.”
Usman believes that McGregor has largely tied his whole legacy to that lone struggle towards Khabib, which didn’t finish properly for him and he’s by no means gotten previous it.
Since shedding to Khabib again in 2018. McGregor has solely fought thrice with a 1-2 report and he hasn’t truly competed since 2021 when he suffered a ugly damaged leg in his struggle towards Dustin Poirier.
In the meantime, Khabib defended his UFC light-weight title two extra occasions after beating McGregor, after which he retired from the game after making a promise to his mom following the tragic demise of his father through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He has to stay with this and go with this,” Nurmagomedov stated. “All his household, all his legacy, all this, is round this. He misplaced to Khabib when needed to win. Nevertheless it [did not] occur. Khabib smashed his face, his crew and all for what he was working [for].
“When Khabib beat him, he [did not] come again to combating, even for all times I feel. He’s going to drink. He’s going to beat some girls. He’s silly.”
As a lot as McGregor may obsess over his unhealthy blood with Khabib, his cousin, who’s the present Bellator light-weight champion, is aware of his household’s legacy is a lot greater than anyone struggle.
Even now Usman seems like Khabib continues to be including to his resume as a result of he could also be retired from competitors however he’s now turn out to be one of many high coaches within the sport — an accolade his father would certainly love.
“Khabib’s legacy continues,” Nurmagomedov stated. “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.
“After all, Khabib did quite a bit. 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 a giant legacy and I feel we’re going to be on the highest for a few years extra.”
With regards to his emotions in direction of Hughes after their struggle, Nurmagomedov doesn’t maintain onto any animosity and reality be advised he by no means truly had an issue with the irish fighter.
Nurmagomedov is aware of a part of drumming up curiosity in a struggle 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 struggle, I stated Paul Hughes shouldn’t be a foul man,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I met with him in Dubai, and he’s not a foul man. He’s not some shit man. He’s a superb man. However we’ve to advertise this struggle.
“That’s why it was calling Eire versus Dagestan. Due to this our enviornment was full. Coca-Cola Enviornment was full. The entire world was watching this struggle. It’s superb.”
