The intense rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor remains one of the UFC‘s most intense matches, despite the two fighters only facing each other once inside the octagon.
Half a year after winning the lightweight championship at UFC 223, Nurmagomedov encountered McGregor in a fight that skyrocketed to become the highest-selling pay-per-view event in UFC’s history, a title it retains to this day.
Throughout the fight, Nurmagomedov showcased his renowned Dagestani grappling skills, ultimately securing a victory over McGregor in the fourth round with a Rear Naked Choke.
Reflecting on their heated rivalry and his win over McGregor at UFC 229, Nurmagomedov shared a revealing insight…
Suggesting that had circumstances been different, he might not have released the choke.
He spoke about it during an interview with Red Corner MMA:
Would I have let go? No, I wouldn’t have.
It’s that moment when your emotional state reaches its peak. He and I understood the stakes.
This isn’t a random street encounter. He’s one of the world’s elite fighters.We had half a year to prepare, stepping into the ring to determine the superior fighter.
Would I end his life? I doubt it, but making him pass out was a definite possibility.Controlling my emotions is uncertain.
Exactly how long I’d have kept the choke is an intriguing question, one without a clear answer.
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