UPDATE: Retired MMA champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has called on former rival Conor McGregor to change his lifestyle following a series of personal and legal troubles. Speaking publicly in New York on Saturday, Nurmagomedov emphasized that it is not too late for McGregor to turn his life around.
During their infamous 2018 fight, Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor, marking a pivotal moment in UFC history. However, since then, McGregor has faced numerous challenges, including a 1-3 record in the UFC and serious legal issues, including a civil sexual assault case announced in 2024.
In a heartfelt message, Nurmagomedov stated, “This is punishment, [but] the most beautiful part of this is Allah always gives the chance to come back.” He added, “If he’s going to change, he can change with him so many other lives too.” His plea for McGregor to reassess his choices reflects a significant shift from their previous rivalry, where McGregor often targeted Nurmagomedov’s personal beliefs.
McGregor, now 37, has not fought since suffering a severe leg injury in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Despite these setbacks, he recently re-entered the UFC’s mandatory testing pool, hinting at a possible return to the octagon.
Nurmagomedov’s intervention comes at a crucial time as McGregor grapples with his past. “I wish him to change himself,” Nurmagomedov continued. “If he’s not going to change, it will be punishment all his life.” Fans are now watching closely to see if McGregor will heed this advice or continue on his current path.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the world waits to see if McGregor can turn a new leaf.
