Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor: Recapping the highest-selling UFC PPV
In the chaotic world of MMA, rivalries often define eras, and few have been as volatile and explosive as the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC. This article provides an in-depth look at their highly anticipated fight and the historic pay-per-view event it generated.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor: The Build-Up
The rivalry between McGregor and Nurmagomedov reached its boiling point when McGregor attacked Nurmagomedov’s team bus after UFC 223 in response to an altercation involving Nurmagomedov and McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov. This incident set the stage for their highly anticipated clash.
Months later, in October 2018, Dana White announced that McGregor and Nurmagomedov would settle their differences inside the octagon at UFC 229. The event took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the two superstars fighting for the lightweight belt. Their title fight became the biggest and most highly anticipated main event in UFC history.
The Historic Fight
Conor McGregor started the fight strong, showcasing his aggressive southpaw stance in the opening rounds. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s exceptional grappling skills posed constant threats to McGregor. The Irishman weathered the storm in the first round, but in the second round, the relentless Dagestani dropped McGregor and delivered brutal ground-and-pound shots until the bell rang.
In the third round, McGregor rallied back, displaying sharp striking and crisp movements. However, Nurmagomedov persisted with takedown attempts, and in the fourth round, he successfully took McGregor down. Nurmagomedov locked McGregor in a vice-like neck crank, forcing McGregor to tap out.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The fight’s aftermath was marred by a brawl between the two camps. Nurmagomedov, immediately after his victory, leapt over the cage to attack McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, leading to a chaotic free-for-all. Both fighters faced suspensions and fines from the Nevada Athletic State Commission as a result.
Both Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov received the highest-ever paydays in MMA history for their participation in the UFC 229 event. McGregor reportedly earned $3 million in disclosed salary, while Nurmagomedov earned $2 million.
With over 2.4 million pay-per-view buys, UFC 229 remains the highest-grossing MMA event to date. It also set the record for the highest-ever mixed martial arts attendance and live gate in Nevada, earning $17.2 million in live gate earnings.
Conclusion
Khabib Nurmagomedov, widely regarded as the most dominant lightweight champion ever, retired from the sport two years after his iconic battle against Conor McGregor. While McGregor may have lost some of his aura of invincibility, the financial gains from the event more than compensated for it. The event holds a special place in the hearts of MMA fans worldwide and will continue to do so for years to come.
Watch the full fight below:
