Here in late, 2020, the dominant narrative is that Khabib Nurmagomedov didn’t have too tough of a time, defeating Conor McGregor in 2018. But, according to the lightweight champ’s rival, he was winning their grudge match, until being submitted in round four.

McGregor argues he was winning the massive fight

McGregor faced Nurmagomedov in the headliner of UFC 229, which went down on October 6th, 2018. As many people predicted would be the case, Nurmagomedov controlled much of the fight with his wrestling and he scored a fourth-round, submission win. 

Well, since then, McGregor has repeatedly called for a rematch, and he’s also claimed he wasn’t at 100% for the bout, due to a foot injury that impacted his camp. The controversial star has also claimed he was drinking during his camp for the bout as well.

Ahead of Khabib’s bout this Saturday with Justin Gaethje, McGregor recently tweeted out these comments, regarding his bout with the champ.

I won round 1. Out struck him 3 to 1 here. Elbows,knees,clatters. He held on entire round. Round 2 he won.

This round had the kimura attempt you speak of. I kneed him full force into his eye socket here and broke the grip fully. A lovely shot!

I won 3 also and 4 up until the trip

On the mula! Round 1’s mine. Out struck 3-1. Elbow,knees,clatters! He held on. 2s his but I land multiple knees.

One from standing after the overhand, and one from bottom into the eye socket at kimura attempt. Not a scratch end of round also. I won round 3, and 4 until the trip.

Damage! Back hands forced him to the fence. Knee into neck as he shot, after 15 seconds of opening bell.

Heavy elbow right into his temple as he froze after his shot. Repeated clatters to the temple while he tries his mermaid wrap leg. Rd was 1 pitiful from him. Rd 2 saved him.

Ye, not a scratch. Relaxing before I bounced up and bet his brother and his cousin round.

Valid points?

It is true that McGregor emerged from the bout relatively unscathed and he did outstrike Khabib in round three.

But, all three judges scored the first round for Khabib, since McGregor was on his back for almost the entire round. He was only credited with landing 6 significant strikes to Khabib’s 7 in that frame.

So, not everyone is going to be on board with his theory that he won the round on account of “damage”.

In round two, which Conor concedes Khabib won, the champ outstruck him by a 41 to 5 margin.

At the end of the day, the fight was not a blowout for Khabib, like some claim. But, one could argue there are substantive reasons for why people recall the fight as being relatively decisive for Khabib.

His wrestling ruled the day as many expected; he also rocked McGregor with a big right and forced him to tap.

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