Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor: The feud that redefined the UFC, eight years later

In the UFC’s 33-year existence, no fight has been bigger than Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor.

A feud that redefined the sport. True hatred on both sides, between two of the world’s biggest names in combat. Khabib had silently built a case for being the best fighter on the planet, collecting the souls of ten fighters on his way to a perfect start to life with the UFC. McGregor was one year removed from his record-breaking, uncharted territory in a boxing ring. A fight that, despite coming up short, catapulted him into superstardom following a respectable showing against one of boxing’s greats. Two titans would go on to enter the cage on October 6, 2018, but only one could walk away victorious.

But before they could collide inside the octagon, controversy surrounded the Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov clash. McGregor, unhappy with Khabib’s actions toward his teammate, Artem Lobov, decided to board a plane from his home country of Ireland with a mob. He arrived in New York with a crew of violent men, all with one purpose: to find Khabib and seek revenge. An attack on the fighter bus followed, when McGregor and his friends vandalized the vehicle, smashing windows and subsequently injuring several people on board. McGregor was arrested, and Khabib later captured the vacant UFC lightweight title against Al Iaquinta.

Almost half a year later, the fight was made official. Former champion Conor McGregor, who was never defeated for his throne, would face new champion Khabib Nurmagomedov; not only for undisputed gold but also to settle a rivalry that had been brewing for years.

McGregor was electric on the mic as ever, but something felt different. Maybe the hunger had gone after achieving everything in the sport, or perhaps his struggle with alcohol was beginning to take its toll. Khabib, however, dialed in and focused. During the fight week open workouts and the pre-fight press conference, the Russian was drowned out by the sound of boos and jeers from the Irish supporters. But a response from Khabib to the fans turned into a prophecy: I’m gonna smash your boy.

October 6, 2018. The T-Mobile Arena. The stage was set for what proved to be the biggest fight in the sport’s history. An estimated 2.4 million pay-per-view buys. McGregor had his moments and became the first fighter to take a round from Khabib on the judges’ scorecards. But ultimately, it was ‘The Eagle’ who soared. Dominating his opponent, locking in a fourth-round submission. The end of an iconic rivalry, right?

Wrong. After extending his unbeaten run to 27-0, Khabib jumped out of the octagon and attacked Dillon Danis, a training partner and friend of ‘The Notorious’. McGregor also got involved in a brawl as multiple members of Khabib’s camp scaled the fence to kick him while he was down.

Suspensions and fines followed for all involved.

Want to relive the entire story? Watch the chaos unfold in the video below.