Khabib Nurmagomedov says God humbled his former rival Conor McGregor.
Former UFC lightweight champions Khabib Nurmagomedov was among those pleased to see Dustin Poirier get his hand raised at UFC 264. After the American defeated Conor McGregor, due to a TKO stemming from a broken leg, the Dagestani stated that good had prevailed over evil.
Nurmagomedov recently expanded on his take in an interview with MMA Junkie. With that outlet he explained that his former rival fell victim to a greater power.
“(There’s) always (going to) be there something superior – more powerful – than we have,” said Nurmagomedov. “Sometimes when people become, ‘I’m this, I can do this. I’m smart because I’m strong.’ God always going to make you humble. I saw yesterday or two days ago, I saw his coach’s interview like, ‘I don’t understand how this happened. He’s a strong young, strong man and he broke his foot, I don’t understand.’ Everything from God. You have to become humble. When you become rich, when you become strong, when you become famous and then you think this is because of myself? God going to make you humble.”
Nurmagomedov’s delight in seeing McGregor ‘humbled’ shouldn’t come as a surprise. Prior to this current spectacle surrounding McGregor and his attempts to unnerve Poirier, ‘The Eagle’ and ‘Notorious’ were embroiled in one of the most bitter and explosive feuds in UFC history.
On the path to their eventual showdown at UFC 229, McGregor and Nuromagomedov traded numerous barbs online and in press conferences. The lion’s share of those came from McGregor, with the Irishman targeting Nurmagomedov’s faith, friends and homeland.
Nurmagomedov cited those attacks for why, after thoroughly dismantling McGregor in the cage and finishing him with a neck crank, he decided to fly off the Octagon apron and attack McGregor’s corner people. Since then McGregor has continued to take potshots at Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated earlier this year with his place as one of the greatest UFC fighters completely secured.
When Nurmagomedov retired he vacated the UFC lightweight title. That belt was then won by Charles Oliveira in a bout with Michael Chandler. The former champion said he is now looking forward to seeing Poirier take on Do Bronx for 155 lb title.
“I really enjoy this fight. I’m really happy with Dustin Poirier. I think he deserve title shot, and I think he deserve to be UFC lightweight champion right now.”