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Analysis of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor (UFC Classic)
The highly anticipated bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor at UFC 229 was one of the most watched and controversial fights in UFC history. This breakdown examines the technical aspects and key moments of this legendary lightweight championship clash.
Round 1 – Khabib’s Initial Ground Dominance
McGregor’s Offensive Pressure and Takedown Defense Attempts
As the fight began, McGregor immediately took the center of the octagon, applying forward pressure. This was a strategic move to force Khabib to shoot for takedowns out of necessity rather than allowing him to dictate the timing. McGregor worked diligently to position his left leg behind Khabib’s right ankle, employing a classic takedown defense technique.
Initially, McGregor’s defense appeared effective as he managed to grab Khabib’s ankles and rotate his body to avoid being pinned against the cage. This early success showcased McGregor’s improved wrestling defense, which he had focused on during his training camp.
Khabib Secures the Takedown and Establishes Ground Control
Despite McGregor’s defensive efforts, Khabib eventually secured a takedown. Though McGregor quickly scrambled back to his feet against the cage, Khabib’s relentless pressure ensured this respite would be brief.
Khabib’s Strategy: Leg Immobilization and Escape Prevention
Once on the ground, Khabib employed his signature technique of binding his opponent’s legs together. This seemingly simple but devastatingly effective approach has been a cornerstone of his dominance against all previous opponents. By elevating and extending McGregor’s legs while simultaneously pinching them together and crossing them, Khabib created a maximum control position that severely limited McGregor’s mobility and escape options.
McGregor’s Damage Limitation and Khabib’s First Strikes
Recognizing the precarious position, McGregor remained relatively calm, conserving energy rather than expending it on futile escape attempts while taking minimal damage. Khabib methodically landed several right-hand punches, gradually establishing his ground superiority without overcommitting.
The Importance of Khabib’s Dominant Start
Establishing this ground control early in the fight was crucial for Khabib’s overall strategy. By imposing his grappling-heavy style from the outset, he neutralized McGregor’s striking advantage when the Irishman was freshest and theoretically most dangerous in the early rounds.
Round 2 – Intensification of Khabib’s Ground and Pound
Round Beginning and McGregor’s Attempt to Create Space
As the second round commenced, McGregor attempted to create distance by positioning his arms above Khabib’s head and arms. He understood that to successfully stand up, he needed to position himself between Khabib’s arms and legs, breaking the Dagestani fighter’s control structure.
Khabib’s Continued Ground Control and Weight Utilization
Khabib maintained his dominant position by consistently binding McGregor’s legs. He applied constant pressure, particularly using his left shoulder against McGregor’s chin, a technique that serves both to control position and cause discomfort. Referee Herb Dean, recognizing Khabib’s active work from the top position and McGregor’s trapped legs, allowed the ground engagement to continue without standing the fighters up.
Khabib’s Patience and Ground and Pound Preparation
Displaying veteran composure, Khabib patiently waited for McGregor to expend energy in escape attempts before advancing his position and increasing his striking output. This calculated approach prevented giving McGregor any space or opportunity to regain his feet.
Khabib’s Guard Pass and Increased Pressure
A key moment came when Khabib passed to half-guard, significantly escalating the pressure on McGregor. This constant pressure and the psychological impact of helplessness began to visibly drain McGregor’s energy reserves and fighting spirit.
Khabib’s Powerful Ground and Pound and McGregor’s Resistance
Midway through the round, Khabib dramatically increased the intensity of his ground strikes. McGregor absorbed these blows while covering up and attempting to minimize damage, clearly playing a survival game until the end of the round.
Khabib’s Submission Attempt (Arm Triangle) and McGregor’s Defense
Sensing an opportunity, Khabib attempted an arm-triangle choke. However, McGregor demonstrated solid submission defense by recovering his guard position, temporarily neutralizing the immediate threat.
McGregor’s Illegal Knee and Khabib’s Uninterrupted Dominance
In a moment of desperation, McGregor delivered an illegal knee to Khabib’s head while the Russian fighter was considered a grounded opponent. Despite this foul going unsanctioned by the referee, Khabib maintained his composure and dominant position, attempting another choking submission.
McGregor’s Fatigue and Inability to Stand Up
The cumulative effect of Khabib’s pressure became increasingly evident as McGregor appeared exhausted, making any attempt to return to his feet extremely difficult as he absorbed continuous punishment.
Round End and Khabib’s First Significant Standing Strikes
In the closing moments of the round, McGregor briefly managed to return to his feet, visibly taking deep breaths that signaled his fatigue. Khabib capitalized on this vulnerability by landing a powerful right hand while standing, demonstrating that his striking abilities should not be underestimated.
Round 3 – Standing Exchanges and First Signs of Khabib’s Fatigue
Standing Start and McGregor’s Striking Confidence
With each round starting in a standing position, McGregor appeared more confident in his ability to land his signature left hand. He patiently waited to counter any telegraphed takedown attempts from an increasingly fatigued Khabib.
Strike Exchanges and Mutual Respect for Striking and Grappling
Khabib landed a significant straight right hand, with McGregor responding with a knee strike. The dynamic illustrated how Khabib’s takedown threat had forced McGregor to respect his wrestling, consequently opening up striking opportunities for the champion.
McGregor Targeting Khabib’s Body
Implementing a strategy reminiscent of his fight against Chad Mendes, McGregor began directing attacks to Khabib’s body, attempting to diminish his cardio and breathing capacity for the later rounds.
Khabib’s Takedown Attempts Initially Countered by McGregor
In a display of improved wrestling defense, McGregor successfully thwarted several of Khabib’s takedown attempts during this round.
Fatigue Signs for Khabib and McGregor’s Striking Opportunities
For the first time in the fight, Khabib showed signs of fatigue. His muscles appeared filled with blood from the intense grappling exchanges, making his movements slightly slower. McGregor seized this opportunity to land his left hand and deliver more knees to the body.
Extended Standing Exchanges and Khabib’s Unexpected Strategy
In a surprising tactical choice, Khabib willingly engaged in prolonged standing exchanges with McGregor instead of immediately pursuing takedowns. This unexpected approach caught even the commentary team off guard.
Khabib’s Late Takedown and McGregor’s Arm Control
Although Khabib eventually secured another takedown, McGregor quickly returned to his feet. In the closing seconds of the round, McGregor demonstrated technical awareness by controlling Khabib’s left arm, preventing him from clasping his hands and completing another takedown.
Round 4 – Rear Naked Choke Finish
Round Beginning and McGregor’s Good Energy
McGregor appeared to have regained some energy at the start of the fourth round, continuing to employ front kicks to Khabib’s midsection in an attempt to slow the champion’s forward pressure.
Khabib’s Successful Takedown Near the Cage
Despite McGregor’s renewed energy, Khabib executed a well-timed takedown near the cage. He strategically used cage pressure to further exhaust McGregor, prompting referee Herb Dean to warn the Irishman for grabbing the fence.
Ground Control and Khabib’s Triangle Attempt
Maintaining his dominant ground position, Khabib attempted a triangle choke. McGregor defended this initial submission attempt effectively.
Back Transition and Rear Naked Choke Placement
In what would prove to be the fight-ending sequence, Khabib masterfully took McGregor’s back and established his hooks. He then applied a rear-naked choke, initially placed on the chin but subsequently adjusted to properly position under the neck.
McGregor’s Submission and Khabib’s Victory
The pressure proved too much for McGregor, who tapped out at 3 minutes and 3 seconds of the fourth round. Herb Dean intervened, officially declaring Khabib Nurmagomedov the winner by submission (rear-naked choke), allowing him to retain his UFC lightweight championship.
Khabib’s Reaction and Fight Conclusion
Immediately after the submission, Khabib directed intense verbal confrontation toward McGregor’s corner, particularly targeting Dylan Danis. This moment of heightened emotion would soon escalate into the infamous post-fight brawl that overshadowed what had been a masterclass in MMA grappling dominance.
This definitive victory cemented Khabib’s legacy as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, showcasing his relentless pressure, superior grappling, and well-rounded MMA skills against one of the sport’s most dangerous strikers.
UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor FULL FIGHT HD …
onor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov: UFC 229 full fight video
UFC 229 | Khabib vs McGregor | UFC – UFC.com
