‘I Don’t Think I Would Kill Him’

Although they solely shared the Octagon as soon as, the rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor is among the many most risky in UFC historical past.

Six months after capturing the light-weight title in opposition to Al Iaquinta at UFC 223, ‘The Eagle’ stepped contained in the cage with Conor McGregor in what would change into the highest-grossing pay-per-view in promotional historical past — a document that also stands right now.

Nurmagomedov largely dominated the bout together with his signature Dagestani wrestling and ultimately submitted the Irishman within the fourth spherical by way of rear-naked choke.

Wanting again on their fierce feud and his victory over ‘Mystic Mac’ at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov revealed that underneath totally different circumstances, he probably wouldn’t have relinquished the choke till McGregor had absolutely handed out. …Or worse.

“Would I’ve let go? No, I wouldn’t have,” he stated in an interview with Red Corner MMA. “It’s that second when your emotional state reaches its peak, touching the ceiling. He and I knew what we have been going for. It’s not like while you meet somebody on the road and begin choking him. He is likely one of the greatest fighters on this planet.

“We have been appointed to combat in half a 12 months; we exit and discover out who’s one of the best. Would I kill him? I don’t suppose I might kill him however to the purpose of passing out, sure. Would I’ve managed myself? We’ll by no means know. How lengthy I might have choked him is an effective query. I don’t know.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from MMA two fights later

Khabib Nurmagomdeov would go on to defend his light-weight title two extra occasions in opposition to Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje earlier than laying down his gloves and his gold in October 2020, formally retiring from the game with a 29-0 document.

Conor McGregor has solely received as soon as since his loss to Nurmagomedov, which was a 40-second TKO victory in opposition to a past-his-prime Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone at UFC 246.