Conor McGregor unloads on Khabib Nurmagomedov, controversial remarks overshadow UFC 329 preparations

Conor McGregor has once again brought Khabib Nurmagomedov into the spotlight ahead of his UFC 329 return against Max Holloway. Speaking in a recent interview with Complex, McGregor revisited his 2018 loss to Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 and argued that several factors affected his performance that night.

He pointed to his long layoff, legal issues and a toe injury while also questioning Nurmagomedov’s achievements inside the UFC. The comments have renewed discussion around one of the biggest rivalries in MMA history, nearly eight years after their title fight in Las Vegas.

Conor McGregor questions Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC record

McGregor did not hold back when discussing his former rival. During the interview, he claimed Nurmagomedov faced only a small number of top-level opponents during his UFC career and said he does not rate the former lightweight champion’s body of work. McGregor also looked back at UFC 229, where Nurmagomedov defeated him by submission in the fourth round. The Irish fighter said he entered that bout after a two-year absence from MMA and was dealing with personal and legal distractions. He also referenced a toe injury that he says affected his preparation for the contest. The fight remains one of the most talked-about events in UFC history. Nurmagomedov successfully defended the lightweight title that night and later retired in 2020 with an undefeated professional record of 29-0.

Khabib Nurmagomedov remains retired as UFC 329 approaches

While McGregor continues to discuss their rivalry, Nurmagomedov has shown no interest in returning to competition. Since retiring, the former champion has focused on coaching and mentoring fighters, including members of his longtime team. McGregor, meanwhile, is preparing for his first UFC appearance in five years. He is scheduled to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The bout marks another chapter in his comeback after suffering a serious leg injury in 2021 and later dealing with a toe injury that delayed a planned return in 2024. The former two-division champion has repeatedly spoken about staying active after UFC 329 and still has fights remaining on his current UFC contract. For now, however, much of the attention remains on his latest comments about Nurmagomedov. Even though their fight took place nearly eight years ago, the rivalry continues to be a major talking point whenever McGregor speaks publicly. With UFC 329 only days away, the focus will soon shift back to the Octagon, where McGregor faces a significant test against Holloway in his long-awaited return.