Khabib Nurmagomedov recently addressed Conor McGregor‘s legal troubles and whether the Irishman can change. Despite their history, Nurmagomedov expressed hope for McGregor’s redemption and urged him to seek guidance through faith.
Nurmagomedov and McGregor engaged in one of the most intense rivalries in UFC history. Their UFC 229 main event set records with 2.4 million pay-per-view buys. The event ended in chaos, with the infamous post-fight brawl sparked by ‘The Eagle’s submission win.
Since then, the former UFC champions have taken different paths. McGregor has faced several legal problems. He has also ventured into acting and became a fight promoter himself after joining BKFC’s ownership.
During a recent public appearance, Nurmagomedov spoke candidly about McGregor’s issues outside the octagon. He believes the Irishman’s struggles are a form of punishment for his past actions.
“When you talk about religion, nation, and parents, it’s finished,” Nurmagomedov said. “Everything that happened to him with old people, women, alcohol, and drugs. This is punishment.”
Known for being devoted to his faith, Nurmagomedov still believes McGregor can redeem himself and turn his life around.
“What’s most beautiful part of all of this, Allah always gives for us, doesn’t matter, anybody, a chance to come back.” Nurmagomedov explained. “[McGregor] has chances to heal and change. If he’s gonna change, he can change with him so many other lives too. And that’s why I wish him to change himself.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Conor McGregor Wasn’t Prepared to Fall From Grace
Nurmagomedov also commented on McGregor’s career decline since their UFC 229 clash.
McGregor bounced back from his loss to Nurmagomedov by earning a quick win over Donald Cerrone. However, he then lost his next two bouts to Dustin Poirier.
In his trilogy bout against Poirier, McGregor broke his leg. The injury kept him sidelined for years despite several attempted comebacks that never materialized.
Nurmagomedov suggested McGregor’s rise to fame left him with an huge ego. He believes the Irishman wasn’t mentally prepared to face failure after reaching global stardom.
“You have to be ready to fall down,” Nurmagomedov during his appearance. “If you fell down from high, you know what’s gonna happen. I think [McGregor] was not ready and this is what happened. All this.”
Nurmagomedov’s Father Forgave McGregor for UFC 229 Drama
Despite McGregor targeting Nurmagomedov’s family in the buildup to UFC 229, ‘The Eagle’s late father, Abdulmanap, chose forgiveness.
Known for his wisdom and humility, Abdulmanap even extended an invitation to the Irishman.
During an interview with a Russian outlet, Abdulmanap said it was time to move on. He believed forgiving McGregor was the right thing to do and would put everyone on the right path.
Nurmagomedov’s father invited McGregor as a guest to his home in Dagestan and implied that ‘The Eagle’ would have obliged.
“[McGregor] can visit Dagestan, why not?” Nurmagomedov said. “It’s all in the past, we should not stop there, life goes on. Our religion should show grace not only in words, but also in deeds.”
He added:
“If he comes, you will see that. He will be our dear guest. My Khabib, whenever I make a statement, he never stands against that. That is the rules of the game in our republic for centuries.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Khabib Nurmagomedov Believes in Conor McGregor’s Redemption: ‘He Can Change’ appeared first on Heavy Sports.