UFC 229 RESULTS | KHABIB VS MCGREGOR SCORECARD

Fight Information: Khabib vs Mcgregor

The UFC 229 fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor occurred at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 6, 2018. In the fourth round, Khabib Nurmagomedov won the fight via submission (neck crank).

Conor Mcgregor

Conor “The Notorious” McGregor is perhaps the most charismatic and controversial figure in MMA history. Born in Dublin, Ireland, McGregor began his professional MMA career in 2008. His early prowess in striking and knockout power quickly earned him a rising star status.

McGregor’s UFC journey began in 2013, and it didn’t take long for him to become a household name. Known for his sharp wit, promotional savvy, and explosive fighting style, McGregor secured his first UFC title—the Featherweight Championship—by knocking out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.

Conor’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He ventured into the lightweight division and at UFC 205 defeated Eddie Alvarez to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. McGregor’s career also included a high-profile boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, which, despite ending in a loss, was one of the most lucrative combat sports events ever.

McGregor’s MMA record includes significant wins over fighters like Dustin Poirier (in their first fight), Chad Mendes, and Nate Diaz (in their second fight). Despite some setbacks in recent years, McGregor remains one of the sport’s biggest draws and is known for his ability to generate enormous pay-per-view buys.

Why did Khabib and Conor McGregor fight?

The UFC 229 showdown between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor was more than just an MMA fight. It was the culmination of a heated rivalry that transcended the sport and entered the realms of personal vendetta, national pride, and the quest for dominance. At the heart of this highly publicized battle was a confluence of factors brewing over months, if not years.

Firstly, the contrasting styles and personas of the fighters played a pivotal role in inflaming tensions. Khabib, known for his unparalleled grappling skills and stoic demeanor, stood in sharp contrast to McGregor, who was renowned for his striking prowess and brash, outspoken personality. This clash of styles made for an intriguing matchup that promised fireworks inside the Octagon, but it was their off-the-canvas interactions that elevated the drama to unprecedented levels.

One of the critical incidents that escalated the rivalry involved a bus attack. On April 5, 2018, Conor McGregor and a group of associates attacked a bus carrying Khabib and several other fighters at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The attack was an apparent response to Khabib’s previous confrontation with McGregor’s teammate, Artem Lobov. The footage of McGregor throwing a dolly through a bus window went viral, and legal repercussions followed. McGregor was arrested and charged, but the event succeeded in fanning the flames of the rivalry to a fever pitch.

Secondly, both fighters were at the pinnacle of their careers, each holding an undefeated record in lightweight combats up to that point. Khabib was the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, with a perfect 26-0 record, displaying a grappling dominance rarely seen in the sport. McGregor, who had taken time off from MMA to box Floyd Mayweather, was also a former dual-division UFC champion and was looking to reclaim his standing as the sport’s biggest star. The stakes were astronomical, with Khabib’s title on the line, and both fighters vying for legacy and supremacy.

Lastly, there were nationalistic undertones that added a layer of intensity to the bout. McGregor, an Irishman, and Khabib, a Russian of Dagestani descent, represented not just themselves but the pride of their respective nations and cultural identities. The lead-up to the fight saw McGregor resort to intense trash-talking, including derogatory comments aimed at Khabib’s heritage and religion. This only added fuel to Khabib’s burning desire to not just win but to make McGregor pay inside the Octagon.

All of these elements merged to create a combustible atmosphere that led to UFC 229. This was not merely a contest for the lightweight title; it was a collision of worlds, ideologies, and personalities. The animosity was palpable, the expectations were immense, and the fight itself promised to be one of the most significant events in the history of mixed martial arts.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Conor Mcgregor

Khabib vs Mcgregor full fight Overview

The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229 was billed as one of the most significant bouts in UFC history. The intense rivalry between the two fighters, fueled by previous altercations, set the stage for a grudge match. Khabib, known for his grappling, aimed to neutralize McGregor’s striking, while McGregor looked to keep the fight standing and capitalize on his precise striking ability.

Round 1
Khabib immediately executed his game plan by securing an early takedown, demonstrating his grappling superiority. McGregor, on the defensive, struggled to fend off Khabib’s relentless pressure on the ground. Khabib maintained control, setting the tone for the fight and keeping McGregor from utilizing his striking effectively.

Round 2
The second round delivered a surprising twist when Khabib landed a powerful overhand right, sending McGregor to the canvas. Known primarily for his grappling, Khabib’s striking prowess caught McGregor off guard. Following the knockdown, Khabib resumed his ground assault, further asserting his dominance and keeping McGregor under constant pressure.

Round 3
McGregor managed to keep the fight standing for a more extended period in the third round, landing some meaningful shots. This round was the most competitive, as McGregor found moments to utilize his striking. However, Khabib’s grappling still posed significant challenges, preventing McGregor from turning the tide in his favor.

Round 4
Khabib returned to his grappling roots in the fourth round, taking McGregor down early. He methodically worked to secure a dominant position, eventually taking McGregor’s back and locking in a neck crank. Trapped and unable to escape, McGregor was forced to tap out, giving Khabib the victory by submission.

Official Result: Conor Mcgregor vs Khabib 

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by submissionThe UFC 229 bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor was officially determined to be a submission victory for Khabib. The method of victory was a neck crank, and the fight concluded at 3:03 of the fourth round.

This win solidified Khabib’s reign as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion, enhancing his record to 27-0 at that time. Khabib’s dominant performance upheld his reputation as an indomitable force in the lightweight division, using his grappling to nullify McGregor’s striking and eventually forcing the tap-out.

However, the fight’s conclusion was overshadowed by the subsequent chaos. Khabib leaped over the cage and went after McGregor’s corner, which ignited a brawl involving multiple individuals. The altercation extended to several members from both camps, causing pandemonium in the arena and resulting in significant security intervention.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) later reviewed the incident and imposed repercussions. Khabib received a nine-month suspension and a $500,000 fine for his role in inciting the post-fight melee. Conor McGregor, who was also involved in the post-fight clashes, received a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine.

In the aftermath, UFC President Dana White condemned the unsportsmanlike conduct but also acknowledged the intense emotions that led to the post-fight fracas. While the penalties sought to restore order and accountability, the melee only added to the lore of this already historic fight.

On a sporting level, Khabib’s dominant performance underscored his status as one of the greatest lightweights ever. The result also temporarily paused the narrative of McGregor’s comeback in the UFC, sparking debates over his future in the sport.

The official scorecards before the submission had Khabib leading, highlighting his control throughout the fight:

• Round 1: All three judges scored it 10-9 in favor of Khabib.
• Round 2: All three judges scored it 10-8 for Khabib, thanks to his dominant ground control and punishing strikes.
• Round 3: Two judges scored it 10-9 for McGregor, reflecting his brief resurgence in the striking exchanges.

The bout’s outcome was clear: Khabib had successfully neutralized McGregor’s strengths while showcasing his grappling supremacy, making the victory a decisive chapter in his unbeaten career.

Conclusion

The clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229 was an event for the ages, saturated with drama, skill, and intensity. From the initial buildup, which saw heated confrontations and legal entanglements, to the fight itself, dominated by Khabib’s grappling and capped off with an emphatic submission, the bout delivered on all fronts. The post-fight brawl, while marring the event, only added to its notoriety and historical significance.

Both fighters went into the bout with illustrious careers, and though their paths diverged post-fight, the confrontation remains a touchstone in MMA history. Khabib continued his journey, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s undefeated greats before retiring. McGregor faced further challenges and victories, continually maintaining his status as one of the most marketable athletes in combat sports.

In summary, UFC 229 was not just a fight; it was a highly emotional and intense saga that captivated the world, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport’s landscape.