“A lot of people who don’t watch or know anything about UFC tuned in because there was so much trash talk, because Khabib’s a Muslim, so everyone wanted to watch Conor lose believe it’s a testament to Khabib…I’d say 80 to 90 percent of it is due to that main event,” UAE MMA fighter Mohammad Yahya once said, reflecting on the meteoric rise of Khabib Nurmagomedov after his iconic victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229. That bout was far more than just a clash between two elite fighters—it was deeply personal and, for many, religious.
The animosity was palpable as Conor McGregor crossed the line with targeted verbal attacks that struck beyond the sport. Yet when the cage door shut, Khabib Nurmagomedov responded in the most definitive way possible. With a dominant rear-naked choke submission, he silenced McGregor and settled the score once and for all. The impact of that victory was massive. ‘The Eagle’s triumph resonated especially in the Muslim world and across the Middle East. It was more than a win—it was a statement.
For countless fans, it was a moment of pride. In the eyes of many, Khabib Nurmagomedov instantly became “100% bigger than Egyptian footballer Mo Salah.” Even after his retirement in 2020, following a successful title defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, ‘The Eagle’s legacy has only grown stronger in the region. His influence has transcended the Octagon, evolving into something iconic. Recently, the UFC Hall Of Famer made a highly anticipated visit to Kuwait—an event that drew significant attention.
Fiber Sports Management facilitated Khabib Nurmagomedov’s recent visit to Kuwait. During his stay, ‘The Eagle’ took to Instagram to share moments with local dignitaries who honored him with memorabilia of the legendary Muhammad Ali. The tribute symbolized the Dagestani legend’s status as not just a sports icon, but a cultural figure whose legacy now resonates deeply within the spiritual and historical fabric of the Muslim world.
Following his emphatic victory over Conor McGregor, Nurmagomedov’s popularity soared across the Middle East. He wasn’t just seen as a champion—he became the UFC’s unofficial ambassador in the region. Sensing an opportunity, UFC President Dana White quickly scheduled ‘The Eagle’s next bout in Abu Dhabi, marking his third appearance in the UAE.
The event drew massive live gates and viewership figures, setting a new benchmark for UFC’s international reach. Since that pivotal moment in 2019, the promotion has only deepened its footprint in the Middle East—making its 20th visit to the region just last year, a testament to Khabib’s enduring legacy in the sport and the market he helped unlock.
Joe Rogan heaps praise on Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev
“There’s no girlfriend, no wife. They’re not thinking about any of that!” Joe Rogan exclaimed during his chat with Royce Gracie on JRE MMA Show #156. His remarks about UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov and his Dagestani teammates weren’t just praise—they offered a glimpse into the mindset that fueled their dominance. At the same time, Rogan subtly pointed out how such discipline contrasts with the distractions that contributed to the downfall of fighters like Conor McGregor.
For Rogan, it all comes down to discipline. In another podcast episode last year with guest Cameron Hanes, he again highlighted the laser-sharp focus of both ‘The Eagle’ and Islam Makhachev, crediting their success to an unwavering commitment to hard work.
“Khabib had unbelievably grueling training sessions,” Rogan said. “That was one of the things that stood out—his endurance. Their discipline is second to none. No girlfriends, no phones, no bullsh*t, no video games. F**k you. We train. Eat, recover, train. You want to be a real champion? This is how it’s done.”
Over the years, Khabib Nurmagomedov has earned immense respect across the Muslim world and now shines as a true global star. But here’s the real question—did Conor McGregor’s trash talk and the rivalry at UFC 229 play a key role in elevating ‘The Eagle’ to that legendary status? Was it McGregor who unknowingly helped build the icon we see today? Share your thoughts below.
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