UFC 229 was a memorable card. With a big main event between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, it was set to shatter records. What kind of records? For one, the attendance record (20,034 fans) and the revenue gate record ($17.2 million).
On top of that, it broke the pay-per-view record for an MMA event at 2.4 million buys. Overall, UFC 229 was a roaring success that also moved the sport forward. Dana White is big on such successes, which set the table for today’s massive UFC 300 card.
But what was the story behind the main event? What controversies and build-ups led to UFC 229 being one of the greatest pay-per-views of all time?
Khabib vs. Conor: The Build-Up
Khabib is known for being an overall quiet guy. He doesn’t get in the spotlight much, tending to his own devices. That’s what makes him a likable figure in the sports world.
Conor McGregor, on the other hand, loves to run his mouth. He’s well-known for being one of the cockiest MMA fighters in history. Granted, he backed his trash talk up with a record of 22-6. However, his mouth has elevated the UFC to new heights, even if it rubbed some people the wrong way.
At UFC 223, McGregor attacked a bus filled with several competing fighters, with the Russian legend’s crew aboard. He hurled chairs at the bus, leading to numerous changes to the card. The aftermath saw McGregor arrested by the NYPD for three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief. “Notorious” was released on bail after.
The build-up elevated the fight, with fans siding with either Khabib or McGregor. However, the fight was nearly off, with “Notorious’s” son being born. The Irish fighter would’ve been replaced with Tony Ferguson, lessening the appeal of the fight.
There were numerous memorable moments during the match as well. For example, McGregor took a brutal pummeling from the Russian fighter in the second round. What did the Road House star say to Khabib?
But Was It Just Business… Or Was It Personal?
Seconds after “The Eagle” was victorious, he hurled his mouthpiece at McGregor’s corner, charging after his corner man, Dillon Danis. This sparked a massive scuffle between the two sides, with McGregor being attacked by Khabib’s two corner men, Zubaira Tukhugov and Esed Emiragaev.
The altercation resulted in a nine-month suspension and a $500,000 fine for Nurmagomedov by the NSAC. “The Eagle” also saw his fight payment initially withheld by the commission, with half of it released on October 24, 2018.
Everything about the fight was perfect. The build-up, the post-fight drama, and the fight itself. A battle between two fighters in Las Vegas culminated in a crescendo of must-see action. That’s what made Khabib vs. Conor special and what fans at UFC 300 hope to see today.
More must-reads: