UPDATE: In a heartfelt message, retired UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has called on his former rival Conor McGregor to transform his lifestyle following a series of personal and legal challenges. Speaking during a public appearance in New York on Saturday, Nurmagomedov expressed hope that McGregor can turn his life around.
The call for change comes after McGregor’s tumultuous record of 1-3 in the UFC since their infamous fight in 2018, where Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in a highly publicized match. Since then, McGregor has faced numerous legal issues, including a civil sexual assault case in 2024.
“This is punishment, [but] the most beautiful part of this is Allah always gives the chance to come back,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I think he has a chance. He has to change how he is living.” His words resonate deeply, emphasizing the potential for redemption not only for McGregor but for others who may follow his lead.
Nurmagomedov’s remarks mark a significant shift in tone from their heated rivalry, where tensions often flared. In 2019, McGregor famously declared, “It will never be finished,” hinting at the ongoing animosity between the two fighters. However, Nurmagomedov’s compassionate plea suggests a desire for McGregor to break free from his troubled past.
As McGregor, now 37, prepares for a potential return to the UFC—having recently re-entered the league’s mandatory testing pool—his future remains uncertain. The fighter has not competed since suffering a severe leg injury during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Nurmagomedov’s call to change extends beyond McGregor, highlighting the potential ripple effect such a transformation could have on many lives. “If he’s going to change, he can change with him so many other lives too,” he said. This message underscores the importance of personal growth and responsibility, especially in the face of adversity.
As the MMA community watches McGregor’s next moves closely, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Will McGregor heed Nurmagomedov’s advice and embark on a new path? Only time will tell, but the implications of his choices are profound, impacting not just his future but also that of countless fans and fellow athletes.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and McGregor’s next steps unfold. The world awaits to see if the fighter can rise above his challenges and seize the opportunity for a fresh start.