K. Nurmagomedov (left) submitted C. McGregor (right) in 2018. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
Former UFC fighter and current commentator, Chael Sonnen reignited the debate over one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. During an appearance on the 'Wise Nuts' podcast, the American stated that the organization wasted a great opportunity by not promoting a rematch between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Conor McGregor in the welterweight category (up to 77 kg).
According to Sonnen, the Ultimate's insistence on keeping the fight at lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) made a second fight between the two stars impossible.
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"The reason we didn't have Khabib vs. Conor 2 is because they didn't look at the right numbers. If they had made that fight at 170 pounds (welterweight) instead of 155 (lightweight), it would have happened. They're going through that now with Islam (Makhachev)," Chael said.
Sonnen also used former lightweight champion, Khabib's protégé and training partner, Islam makhachev, as an example to criticize the weight cutting process.
"You can cut Islam's career short like they did with Khabib, or let him move up to welterweight. He won't be able to make weight forever. That's the hardest part of the sport," he concluded.
Historical rivalry between Khabib and McGregor
Khabib and McGregor faced off in October 2018 at UFC 229 in Las Vegas. The event became the best-selling event in the organization's history, with approximately 2,4 million pay-per-view packages sold. Inside the octagon, the Russian dominated the fight and submitted the Irishman in the fourth round with a rear-naked choke.
However, the confrontation was just the culmination of a rivalry marked by provocations, personal insults, and episodes of violence, such as Conor's attack on the bus Khabib was traveling in months before the fight. The chaos continued after the fight, with widespread brawls between team members, both inside and outside the octagon.
The Nevada Athletic Commission punished both: Khabib received a nine-month suspension and a $500 fine; Conor, six months and a $50 fine.
Different paths after the duel
After the historic victory, Khabib retained the belt by defeating Dustin poirier e Justin gaethje, and retired undefeated in 2020, with a perfect record of 29 wins and no losses. The 'Notorious', however, faced a volatile trajectory in and out of the sport.
Even with Khabib's career over, the rivalry between the two remains alive on social media. While the Russian maintains a more reserved stance and even expressed his wish for positive changes in the Irishman's life, McGregor continues to make provocations, often deleted after publication.
Read More about: Chael Sonnen, Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC
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