Khabib Nurmagomedov discussed how Dana White orchestrated the hype for his UFC 229 fight with Conor McGregor, including the infamous bus incident, highlighting the unique intensity of their rivalry compared to current UFC matchups.
Khabib Nurmagomedov knows all about Dana White pulling the strings. Before he and Conor McGregor clashed at UFC 229, the seeds of their rivalry were already planted. McGregor’s wild antics played a big role.
Back in April 2018, before Nurmagomedov’s fight with Al Iaquinta at UFC 223, McGregor stormed the Barclays Center. He threw a dolly at a bus window, targeting Nurmagomedov. The incident went viral, fueling anticipation for their eventual showdown.
Recently, Nurmagomedov shared insights on the Hustle Show. He mentioned how Dana White was instrumental in hyping the fight. Despite rumors about UFC executive Hunter Campbell’s involvement, Nurmagomedov credited White for orchestrating the drama.
In a candid exchange, Nurmagomedov acknowledged White’s role. "Good job, Dana," he admitted, noting that the whole team contributed. The bus incident was just one piece of the puzzle.
The rivalry wasn’t just physical; it was verbal too. Both fighters exchanged personal insults, intensifying the tension. Yet, at the final UFC 229 press conference, McGregor’s tardiness led Nurmagomedov to walk away.
"I still had weight to cut," Nurmagomedov explained. He stuck to his schedule, refusing to wait for McGregor. "I’m not staying," he told Dana White, and true to his word, he left.
Nurmagomedov went on to dominate McGregor, winning by fourth-round submission. Despite McGregor’s calls for a rematch, Nurmagomedov chose a different path. He retired undefeated after two more championship wins.
The UFC has moved on, though fans miss the drama of the Nurmagomedov-McGregor feud. Nurmagomedov believes future rivalries, like Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria, hold promise. But he doubts they’ll match the excitement of his clash with McGregor.
"The interest, the clash of styles," Nurmagomedov mused. Yet, he felt nothing could replicate the organic hype of his fight with McGregor. Sometimes, things just happen naturally, making them unforgettable.