Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov still don’t have any time for each other, even after all these years.
If their paths cross again, it’s hard to imagine the mood will be any different from what it was back in 2018. The two were part of one of the sport’s most intense build-ups ever, which only added fuel to the fire leading up to their fight.
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The UFC is no stranger to heated feuds, but McGregor and Nurmagomedov took things to another level. Their clash at UFC 229 wasn’t just a fight – it was a long-simmering rivalry that boiled over in and out of the Octagon.
Seven years on from that infamous night at UFC 229, there’s been no sign of any thawing between Nurmagomedov and McGregor. If anything, tensions seem just as high as they were back then.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor feud reignites after Ilia Topuria comparison
Nurmagomedov hung up the gloves in 2020, but he’s still involved in MMA, now working as a coach and occasionally giving his take as an analyst. Meanwhile, McGregor’s career has hit a standstill, and a new name has started to make headlines.
Ilia Topuria is the current UFC lightweight champion and is making waves following his knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last month. He’s also become the latest fighter to reach McGregor’s ‘champ-champ’ status.
Topuria’s rise has led to comparisons with McGregor, given their striking skills and confident personalities. But Nurmagomedov doesn’t see the resemblance between them.
In a recent interview with Russian journalist Adam Zubayraev, Nurmagomedov was asked about Topuria’s future while throwing a subtle jab at his former UFC rival.
“Could Ilia Topuria be the next Conor? No, he’s a good guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “You can tell he’s trying to become someone.”
It didn’t take long for McGregor to respond in a since-deleted post to X.
“Fighting’s biggest b—- yapping out of his fat hole again. Cough cough,” McGregor tweeted.
The back-and-forths between the two have continued ever since that fight. More recently, McGregor criticised Paul Hughes for talking with Nurmagomedov after one of Hughes’ PFL bouts.
McGregor hasn’t fought since injuring his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Just days before Poirier’s retirement fight at UFC 318, McGregor announced his planned return to the Octagon in 2026.
Conor McGregor Eyes UFC Return for Potential White House Event
McGregor is among a growing list of high-profile fighters showing strong interest in competing at the UFC’s planned event on the White House lawn next July. The idea gained traction after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed last month that the event would go ahead, prompting UFC CEO Dana White to back the move.
Since then, McGregor and Jon Jones have both signalled their interest in headlining. Jones even reversed his recent retirement following President Trump’s announcement.
Speaking to The Schmo, McGregor said he plans to re-enter the UFC’s drug testing pool soon, with hopes of fighting again next year. Michael Chandler is currently seen as a leading candidate for his return bout.
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