UFC 229 : The highly anticipated UFC 229 event, featuring the epic showdown between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, took place on October 6, 2018. The event unfolded at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, which is situated within the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area in the United States. This encounter marked the inaugural meeting between Conor and Khabib, attracting a global audience of unprecedented proportions. Widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in history, it captivated viewers from around the world, solidifying its status as an unparalleled spectacle.
Why Did Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor Never Happened?
The anticipated rematch between Khabib and Conor, which would have been a historic UFC rivalry and generated record-breaking PPV numbers, the rematch between them never happened due to several factors.Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor never rematched due to a combination of factors, including personal differences, legal issues, and the direction of their respective careers.
Javier Mendez, Khabib’s head coach, expressed his belief that in a potential rematch, Conor McGregor would have been decisively defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov. Mendez stated that Khabib has improved significantly since their previous fight, while Conor’s skills appeared to have declined. He emphasized that Khabib’s progress would have led to Conor being defeated convincingly.
After their intense fight at UFC 229, which saw Khabib defeat McGregor via submission, the rivalry between the two fighters escalated both inside and outside the Octagon. The aftermath of the fight was marred by a post-fight brawl involving members of both fighters’ teams, which led to disciplinary actions and legal consequences for both individuals. Furthermore, Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts (MMA) in March 2021.
Conor McGregor, on the other hand, continued to compete in the UFC but faced setbacks including injuries and losses in subsequent fights. While there was occasional speculation about a potential rematch, the circumstances and priorities of both fighters never aligned to make it happen.
Had the rematch between Nurmagomedov and McGregor taken place, it could have potentially become the most significant rematch in UFC history, leaving a lasting mark on the sport’s annals. The stakes for Conor McGregor to regain his standing would have been immense, paralleling the pressure he faced in redeeming himself against Nate Diaz. Sadly, such a scenario remains confined to our imaginings, leaving fans to ponder what might have been.
