Khabib Nurmagomedov Reflects on Conor McGregor Fight: 'It Was My Vacation'

From Rage to Reflection

Despite the chaotic aftermath, Khabib’s performance was surgical. He used relentless grappling pressure and ground control to dismantle McGregor, who had antagonized him for months leading into the fight.

What came after, however, was the emotional weight of legacy. Khabib would defend his title two more times submitting Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje before retiring in 2020, honoring a promise made to his mother after his father’s passing.

The Promise That Ended a Perfect Career

“It was not only my mother, it was everything together,” Khabib explained. “I saw a lot of rumors about why I retired, but the truth is if my father was still alive, he would have made me fight a little longer. I just turned 32 when I finished. But he passed away, and I had a very honest and good conversation with my mom. I chose what my mother wished.”

Khabib recounted how quickly the events unfolded the death of his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the rise of Gaethje as interim champion, and UFC’s push for him to return within a month.

“Everything was happening so fast,” he said. “Even when father passed away, I didn’t have time to think. The UFC told me, ‘We’ll give you one month off. After one month, come back and tell us what you want to do.’ From one side, the whole world was waiting for my fight. On the other side, I had this deal with my parents and I chose what my mother wished.”

Legacy Untouched

Nurmagomedov walked away from the sport unbeaten. His aura intact, and his dominance unquestioned. To this day, he remains the standard by which all lightweights and most champions are measured.

For Khabib, that night against McGregor wasn’t just a career peak. It was the ultimate release the moment he could finally, as he put it, “enjoy himself like a vacation.”