Khabib Nurmagomedov Reveals Post-Fight Chaos with Conor McGregor: “You Can’t Protect Him,” He Warned Dana White
Former undisputed lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has once again opened up about the chaos that erupted after his heated grudge match with Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in 2018. Reflecting on the infamous post-fight melee, Nurmagomedov revealed that he warned UFC CEO Dana White that McGregor wouldn’t be safe, even within the confines of the Octagon.
Headlining UFC 229 in October 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight title against the returning Conor McGregor in one of the most highly anticipated fights in UFC history. The fight, fueled by personal animosity, ended with Nurmagomedov submitting McGregor with a fourth-round neck crank, securing his first successful title defense.
However, the chaos didn’t stop at the final bell. Nurmagomedov famously scaled the Octagon fence and launched himself toward McGregor’s corner, sparking a mass brawl between the two camps that spilled into the crowd and sent shockwaves through the MMA world.
Speaking on the Inspire Me podcast, Nurmagomedov recalled his pre-fight exchange with White inside the Octagon. As the cage doors closed behind them, Khabib told White that McGregor wouldn’t be protected from the fallout.
“I remember when I came inside the cage and it closed, I looked at Dana and said, ‘Today, you cannot protect Conor McGregor.’ Dana asked me what? I said, ‘Today, you cannot protect him,’” Nurmagomedov revealed.
Nurmagomedov admitted that emotions were running high during the fight, and his actions were driven by intense feelings. “It was a very emotional time,” Nurmagomedov explained. “I really wanted to bite someone’s heart. I am ‘The Eagle,’ and when the eagle is hungry, it’s not good. He has to hunt.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 with an undefeated record of 29-0, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. His final fight saw him submit former interim champion Justin Gaethje with a second-round triangle choke, further showcasing his dominance in the lightweight division.
