Khabib Nurmagomedov has never been one to revel in trash talk – but when it came to Conor McGregor, “The Eagle” enjoyed every second of letting his fists do the talking.

Speaking to an audience in Chicago, Nurmagomedov opened up about the infamous rivalry that culminated in the biggest fight in UFC history at UFC 229.

The buildup was filled with McGregor’s trademark verbal warfare, including personal jabs at Khabib’s family and religion.
But once the cage door closed, Nurmagomedov made a statement, dominating McGregor before submitting him in the fourth round.

For Khabib, the most satisfying part wasn’t just the victory – it was the poetic justice:

One thing that’s very, very beautiful in this world: when you don’t like somebody, you go inside the cage, you smash him, and they give you money.

Outside of the cage, if you do this, you go to jail.

He went on to describe the fight as a long-awaited release:

I was waiting for this moment so long.

I find that I cannot only fight, I can talk too.

I used this moment to enjoy – like the way how you go to Maldives?
Same thing. It was my vacation.

Moments after McGregor tapped, Khabib vaulted over the octagon fence and ignited one of the most chaotic post-fight brawls the sport has ever seen.

When asked why he jumped out of the cage, Khabib acknowledged it but didn’t shy away from the reality of the moment:

It was a very emotional moment. I don’t think it was a good thing, a good example…
Sometimes, we never know how we’re going to act if something happens.

You can sit, watch, eating popcorn, and judge people.
But when you’re in that place, at that time and day, you never know how you’re going to act.

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