Despite Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier having one of the biggest rivalries in the history of combat sports, it’s starting to pale in comparison to the one between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
While “Bones” and “DC” have come to blows during a heated face-off and hurled personal insults at one another, Khabib and McGregor have crossed boundaries that many feel should never be approached.
From destroying buses and endangering the well-being of innocent bystanders, to post-fight brawls spilling into crowds, “Notorious” and “The Eagle” have truly taken their beef to new heights. But it’s really starting to reach dangerous grounds, as UFC Middleweight title contender Kelvin Gastelum believes if cooler heads don’t prevail, someone could wind up getting really hurt or actually get shot.
“I think there are some lines that shouldn’t be crossed, and this rivalry that is going on right now is escalating to a point where it shouldn’t have to,” said Kelvin during a recent media scrum to promote his upcoming interim title fight against Israel Adesanya at UFC 236 on April 13, 2019.
“I feel like if it keeps escalating the way it is, somebody is going to end up getting hurt or shot, something. I truly believe that. You shouldn’t mess with peoples wives, family or religion. Absolutely.”
UFC president Dana White recently revealed that the promotion had to step in to put a stop to the on-going social media rivalry between the two lightweight combatants after things got too personal.
Should the promotion ever decide to stage a rematch between the two — which is a very real possibility — don’t be surprised to see extra added security at every single event leading up to fight night.
While it’s unlikely that neither Khabib or McGregor will ever resort to actual gun violence, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.