It’s been more than a year since Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from his MMA career. Ever since, he’s been busy coaching and taking his time off the mats. ‘The Eagle’ was recently spotted at the Bellator vs. RIZIN event in Japan. And his appearance at this cross-promotional event stirred up a lot of discussion for a totally unrelated cause. When the pictures of Khabib from the event were made public, it seemed like the former UFC champion had put on a few pounds during his retirement. And that has been the hot-topic ever since. Moreover, the fans have connected some interesting dots over this, as they brought in Khabib‘s arch-rival Conor McGregor as a part of their discussion. Given he, too, coincidentally, has buffed up quite a lot in the recent times.
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As a result of the coincidence that both competitors grew in stature around the same timeframe, it has made fans ambitious for something to demand now. A rematch between the two UFC legends.
And in light of the iconic rivalry between ‘Notorious’ and ‘The Eagle’, any topic that mentions either of them gets the other one included automatically. For the UFC fans, it has evolved into more of a ritual. And the same is the case with the recent spotting of Khabib.
A UFC subreddit posted the picture of Khabib being spotted at Bellator MMA vs. RIZIN in Japan and, given his seeming weight gain, it elicited a number of reactions from the fans. However, several individuals specifically referenced Conor McGregor in their responses. And it is evident as to why they would.
Fans demand a second go at Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Take a look at the ‘Conor McGregor‘ remarks made by the fans on Khabib‘s recent sighting.
One fan suggested that Khabib isn’t following the ‘Notorious’ diet:
“Yes he’s def. Not on the Conor McGregor diet”
Another fan picked heavyweight division for their rematch, considering the extra pounds:
“Him and Connor should rematch at HW”
Khabib is in pursuit to match McGregor‘s frame, stated a fan:
“Getting his weight up to smash McGregor”
This makes Khabib one and a half of prime McGregor, says a user:
“About 1.5 prime connors”
McGregor vs. Khabib for heavyweight title, one fan has outlined the essentials:
“Him and conor should just get set to fight for the heavy weight title. Ufc should just redifine the division first to vacant it.”
This fan gave the two rivals appropriate nicknames:
“Khabibulin vs MacGregor at heavyweight”
And there came a subtle jab at ‘The Notorious’ over his steroid controversy:
“Whatever Conor is walking around at + maybe 10 pounds, and minus the HGH.”
However, Khabib‘s weight gain hasn’t received nearly as much attention as the Irishman’s. And with fair reason. PEDs and steroids were the sharp edges that encircled the controversy around McGregor getting jacked. Additionally, the Dubliner’s prolonged avoidance of the USADA pool only served to bolster the allegations against him. Whereas with Khabib, it looks like he is just taking it easy and enjoying his retirement.
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Written by
Edited by
Gideon Mathson