Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s feud with Conor McGregor is unquestionably the most ferocious in UFC history. During their bout at UFC 229, both parties went above and beyond to demolish the other. Years after their battle, Nurmagomedov still has the same feelings about McGregor. Unfortunately, Daniel Cormier realized it the hard way.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier have known each other for years and have become more than just teammates from AKA. However, DC doesn’t necessarily have the same beef with Conor McGregor as Nurmagomedov. However, in a recent video, the former champion revealed how his friendliness with McGregor bothered the ‘Eagle.’
I saw Conor McGregor one-time in Abu Dhabi. We were shaking hands and we were talking a little bit and we are very kind of chummy and Khabib was like, ‘Brother, I don’t understand’…Things have changed now. I don’t try to request McGregor for interviews…Khabib’s not just a teammate, he’s family.
Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel
The bromance between Cormier and Nurmagomedov is extremely popular among hardcore UFC fans. Despite their initial language and cultural differences, both fighters managed to develop a relationship for life. Old videos of both Nurmagomedov and DC messing around with each other have millions of views on the internet.
Daniel Cormier tells the story of when Khabib got mad at him for speaking with Conor McGregor in Abu Dhabi:
“Things have changed now. I don’t try to request McGregor for interviews…
Khabib’s not just a teammate, he’s family.”
🎥 @dc_mma #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/bEN7feicPE
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 6, 2024
Nurmagomedov and Cormier also deeply respect each other’s accomplishments in combat sports. Nurmagomedov considers the American one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Out of loyalty to DC, he has even questioned Jon Jones’ status as the GOAT, acknowledging Cormier’s rivalry with Jones. In return, Cormier’s loyalty to the Dagestani is evident, justifying his critical stance toward Conor McGregor.
The ‘deep-rooted’ animosity between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov
At UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov thrashed Conor McGregor and submitted him in the fourth round. Since then, the ‘Notorious’ has repeatedly discredited Nurmagomedov’s achievements. He has never had any opportunity to mock the UFC Hall of Famer and has even accused him of being a terrorist.
While Nurmagomedov has mostly decided not to respond to these allegations, that has not stopped McGregor from deliberate prompting. Daniel Cormier has seen this rivalry up close and was present inside the octagon when the brawl broke out at UFC 229. In an interview, he talked about the reason for this bad blood.
He just hates Khabib. He hates him. … They are not letting it go. It’s deep-rooted, but it’s deep-rooted on both sides, honestly. He doesn’t like this guy, bro. They don’t like each other. This is crazy. It really is. It’s deep. It’s very deep.
Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel
McGregor always wanted to have his rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov but never got the opportunity after the ‘Eagle’ retired. UFC CEO Dana White tried his best to pursue Nurmagomedov by offering him huge money, but that wasn’t enough. Many fans say nothing in UFC has topped the craziness that McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov brought at UFC 229.
