Khabib Nurmagomedov: McGregor Couldn’t Beat Poirier Even Without Injury
Khabib Nurmagomedov has delivered a blunt verdict on whether Conor McGregor could have triumphed over Dustin Poirier in their third fight, had McGregor not sustained a leg injury.
Known for his exceptional grappling skills and unyielding mentality, Khabib left an indelible mark in the UFC, defeating both McGregor and Poirier during his illustrious career. The Russian dismantled every opponent brave enough to step into the octagon with him, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
In their highly publicized matchups, Khabib first subdued McGregor via a neck crank and later finished Poirier with a rear-naked choke. The Dagestani dominated McGregor, even dropping him with a punch before securing the submission. Poirier, while managing to land a significant shot and nearly locking in a guillotine, ultimately succumbed to Khabib’s relentless pressure in the third round.
Despite their defeats to Khabib, both McGregor and Poirier have maintained their star power, engaging in a fierce rivalry of their own. Years before their second bout, McGregor knocked out Poirier, fueling Poirier’s desire for revenge, which he achieved with a knockout in their rematch.
In their third encounter, Poirier was in control until McGregor broke his leg, leading some fans to call for a fourth fight. However, Khabib dismissed the necessity of another bout, asserting that, injury or not, Poirier would always come out on top in their current forms.
After Khabib defeated McGregor, he infamously jumped the cage, inciting a brawl between the two camps. The post-fight chaos hinted at the potential for a rematch, with UFC President Dana White eager to create another monumental event. However, Khabib retired undefeated, leaving the prospect of a second clash with McGregor unfulfilled.
Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen recently revealed a critical mistake by Dana White that may have thwarted the possibility of this rematch. Sonnen suggests that White’s approach to convincing Khabib was flawed, ultimately preventing what could have been the biggest rematch in UFC history.
Khabib’s insights into the McGregor-Poirier trilogy offer a unique perspective on one of the sport’s most captivating rivalries. As fans continue to debate the outcome of their third fight, Khabib’s unwavering belief in Poirier’s superiority adds another layer to the narrative.
The UFC landscape constantly evolves, and while some fighters retire undefeated, the echoes of their battles reverberate through the sport’s history. Khabib’s legacy, built on discipline, skill, and an unbreakable will, remains a testament to the heights of mixed martial arts excellence.
