5 things we learned from Khabib Nurmagomedov's appearance on Mike Tyson's Hotboxin' podcast

#4. The three great athletes who inspired Khabib Nurmagomedov

UFC 242 Khabib Nurmagomedov v Dustin Poirier

The name Khabib Nurmagomedov has become synonymous with greatness. He took on some of the toughest fighters in the UFC during his tenure and retired as the undefeated, undisputed champion while also being at the top of UFC P4P rankings.

His father Abdulmanap's role is often highlighted in molding Khabib as an unstoppable force in combat sports. Be it combat sambo, wrestling or MMA, 'The Eagle' was always a step ahead of everyone else. The world knows Khabib's father to be the biggest inspiration in his life. However, three athletes have made a significant impact on the mind of the UFC superstar since he was a kid.

The three greats are Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Ronaldo Luis Nazario. Khabib Nurmagomedov said on Mike Tyson's Hotboxin' podcast:

"Three athletes who inspired me like crazy - it was Brazilian Ronaldo, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. I met two of them, but, I didn't have a chance to meet Muhammad Ali.. I hope, like next life [I get to meet him]. I really believe, next life, I'm gonna meet with him."

---

#3. Khabib's take on the Conor McGregor chapter

UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov v Conor McGregor Press Conference

The rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor was popular worldwide. Handing 'Notorious' the most humiliating loss of his career helped Khabib become a household name. 'The Eagle' remembers the whole incident vividly.

Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke about it at length on the podcast, starting when Conor McGregor showed up at the UFC 223 event. The Irishman's infamous bus incident was in reply to Khabib slapping fellow Russian and McGregor's teammate Artem Lobov. For Khabib, though, the Irishman's actions were all for show. He said:

"You're going to war, you don't need a camera, you know? This is (just for) show. There's a lot of security. They (McGregor and co.) just come here to show up, like, promote the fight."

Khabib Nurmagomedov also revealed how he went straight to training camp after winning the UFC lightweight title because he knew he would fight Conor McGregor. However, 'The Eagle' said that he was disappointed to see the Irishman cave in during their fight, especially in front of his Irish fans. Khabib Nurmagomedov said:

"I was preparing so hard. When time came and inside the cage, when he said this to me.. 'Hey, it's only business'. It sounds like, when my father goes crazy with me, I try to make him stop, you know. It sounds like the same thing. And I was (like) 'What? I was preparing for this thing? I was preparing for war and when I come, I don't fight an opponent.. This made me empty."

Khabib Nurmagomedov explained that Conor McGregor tapping out so easily was one of the reasons why he jumped out of the octagon after the fight. He said:

"When I catch his (McGregor's) neck and I choke him, he tapped.. And I think, 'Hey, you bring thousands of people from Ireland here.. and you tap in front of them and you talk about (being a) warrior or something like this? How you can tap? Go sleep..' And he tap and I was like 'Okay it's not enough, I need something' and I see some of his cornermen talk with me. And I think 'Oh, I have to bite his (Dillon Danis) heart.'"

Watch the segment below: