Conor McGregor ally hits out after failed drug test involving Khabib’s teammate

Brendan Loughnane responds to Khaybulaev ban

Brendan Loughnane lost a close split decision to Khaybulaev in the 2021 PFL featherweight semi-final, a result that later played a significant role in the division’s outcome.

Loughnane went on to claim the $1 million prize in the tournament the following year.

Even so, he remains frustrated by how much Khaybulaev’s actions may have impacted his career.

“This fight literally cost me millions of dollars,” Loughnane wrote on X on Wednesday.

“Lost a split decision to a known cheater. Sport is wild.”

McGregor has not commented directly on the news of Khaybulaev’s failed test or ban.

However, he did share a fan post suggesting Khabib must have been aware that his teammate was using performance-enhancing drugs.

Conor McGregor reignites interest in Khabib Nurmagomedov rematch

‘The Eagle’ walked away from the sport in 2020, retiring without ever giving McGregor the rematch he wanted.

Now, five years later, the former dual-weight champion is setting his sights on one of Khabib’s former teammates.

‘The Notorious’ recently spoke to Bloody Elbow’s Donagh Corby about his intentions to fight Islam Makhachev.

“I’m motivated. I’m self-motivated, and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown.

“It would be a good fight, a good scrap. Southpaw vs southpaw.”

The 37-year-old also took a subtle dig at Nurmagomedov, who often struggled with the 155lb weight limit and never moved up in class during his career.

“It was a good performance out of him and fair play to him,” McGregor noted in a rare compliment before adding that Makhachev “had the courage to do it, to go up.”

“So yeah, I’m excited for it. Let’s see what happens. Let’s get back in the mix.”