Conor McGregor again put the MMA world in a frenzy with his scathing report. Conor McGregor candidly said that Khabib Nurmagomedov “is afraid to fight” him. The Irishman’s claim once again stoked rumors about their brutal rivalry and created new rumors of a possible rematch.
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McGregor’s Bold Accusation
In an exclusive viral video interview uploaded to social media, Conor McGregor was quoted as telling, “He took the worst of me that night. But even then, he didn’t want to fight me on my feet. He’s afraid, simple as that.” In this scathing remark, McGregor had no hesitation, immediately calling out Khabib’s legacy and suggesting the undefeated champion was afraid of taking all the evidence.
“AFraid” or Just Retired?
The charge of Khabib being scared has been troubling the MMA community. Was it actual fear? Or merely an ex-fighter choosing peace at the expense of perpetuating bloodshed? Some think that Khabib is merely living up to his late father’s vow and riding off into the sunset on his own terms. Others see it as a strategic maneuver — depriving the possibility of a lethal rematch with someone who still fantasizes about knocking him out.
Back to UFC 229: “Worst of Me” vs “Best of Him”
Conor McGregor‘s assertion that he was in his “worst” shape for their UFC 229 fight comes into the mix. He was coming into the fight in 2018 still grappling with legal troubles, personal distractions, and disorganized training. And yet he went on to fight Khabib four rounds — something few can say. His fans chimed in that if only he would concentrate better, he could reverse the situation in a rematch.
But the performance in his fight against Khabib can’t be stolen from him. He controlled almost everything — control, grappling, even strikes. For the majority of the people, that win cemented his GOAT status. But McGregor’s story teaches us that there is more to it — that what everyone saw was just half of it.
Khabib’s Stand: No Return, No Regrets
Khabib, though, has remained steadfast. Since retiring in 2020, he’s turned down every offer to return — no matter how large. Even Dana White’s overtures to coax him back for megafights have been rebuffed. Khabib is occupied coaching fighters and etching his immortality outside the Octagon.
McGregor’s Strategies: Stirring the Pot
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor remains in comeback mode. Recovered from the broken leg and posting hints of training on Instagram, he’s back in the news — not for fights, but for comments like these. This is classic Conor McGregor: rile the bear, stir the pot, and stay in the spotlight.
Fans React: Supporters and Skeptics Clash
The fan backlash has been massive. Everybody seems to be thinking along the lines that he is thinking, especially because Khabib’s retirement announcement was just before a predicted second fight. Others just attribute it to hype — Conor McGregor trying to remain in vogue following two straight defeats. Whatever, the McGregor vs. Khabib II potential is intriguing for fans worldwide.
Is a Rematch Even Possible?
Would it be worthwhile? Yes. Their first fight broke box office records, and a rematch would be bigger. But since Khabib is holding out for staying retired and McGregor is rehabbing from the last fight, it’s all conjecture now.
Final Thoughts
While, of course, McGregor’s strategy is paying off. By ever-present keeping of the feud hanging in the air with superior swagger, he’s reminding us all. Whether or not a rematch occurs, the drama between these two icons keeps fueling MMA chatter.
So, was he intimidated away by Khabib or does McGregor resort to mind games again?
Reddaveni Saisneha