BREAKING: Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired mixed martial arts champion, has made a heartfelt appeal for his former rival, Conor McGregor, to change his lifestyle. During a public appearance in New York on Saturday, Nurmagomedov expressed hope that McGregor can redirect his life towards a more positive path.
Nurmagomedov, 36, famously defeated McGregor in a highly-publicized grudge match in 2018, where he submitted the Irish fighter via rear-naked choke. Their rivalry was marked by intense animosity, culminating in a post-fight brawl that shocked fans worldwide. Nurmagomedov retired undefeated in 2020, while McGregor has struggled with a 1-3 UFC record and faced numerous legal challenges, including a civil sexual assault case in 2024.
At the event, Nurmagomedov stated, “This is punishment, [but] the most beautiful part of this is Allah always gives the chance to come back. I think he has a chance. He has to change how he is living.” He emphasized the broader impact of McGregor’s potential transformation, saying, “If he’s going to change, he can change with him so many other lives too.”
This statement marks a significant shift in Nurmagomedov’s tone towards McGregor. In the aftermath of their rivalry, Nurmagomedov had been critical of McGregor, who stated in 2019, “It will never be finished. Even if we see [each other] somewhere, we’re going to fight, 100 percent.”
As of now, McGregor, 37, has not fought since suffering a broken leg during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. However, he has recently re-entered the UFC’s mandatory testing pool, indicating he may be preparing for a comeback.
The urgency of Nurmagomedov’s message resonates as fans and analysts alike watch closely for any signs of change in McGregor’s behavior and career. As McGregor faces ongoing legal troubles and a challenging path back to the octagon, Nurmagomedov’s call for change could not come at a more critical time.
What happens next for McGregor remains uncertain. His future in the UFC and personal life are under scrutiny, with many eager to see if he can indeed make the changes that Nurmagomedov advocates for. The MMA community continues to watch, hoping for a positive turnaround in the life of one of the sport’s most notorious figures.
