"I don't rape women, don't beat old people" - When Khabib Nurmagomedov sneered at Conor McGregor to explain why he never carried Russian flag in UFC

Khabib Nurmagomedov once made waves with his response to Conor McGregor after the Irishman seemingly questioned his patriotism. Nurmagomedov notably hit back with veiled jibes at his archrival.

In October 2018, then-UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov defended his belt via fourth-round submission against McGregor at UFC 229. A massive brawl transpired thereafter, as Nurmagomedov attacked McGregor's cornerman Dillon Danis.

McGregor proceeded to clash against members of Nurmagomedov's team. Eventually, the security personnel de-escalated the situation. Both fighters faced fines and suspensions.

In October 2019, Conor McGregor partook in a press conference in Moscow, Russia. Outlining his plans to return in January 2020, he suggested that he could eventually fight the winner of the inaugural BMF title match, featuring Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, which was booked for November 2019.

'The Notorious' also spoke about possibly facing the winner of the potential Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson fight. McGregor then indicated that Nurmagomedov -- who hails from Dagestan, Russia -- never carries the Russian flag to his fights, fight-related events, etc. Casting aspersions on Nurmagomedov's patriotism, he insinuated that Russia and the Russian fans deserved better:

"Does he represent Russia? I don't think he does represent Russia. I've never seen the man represent Russia in my life. Have you ever seen him raise a Russian flag like I raised the Irish flag with pride? I have never seen him once in my life. He's running from the bout [proposed rematch] in Moscow."

Check out Conor McGregor's assessment below (3:20):

Well, Khabib Nurmagomedov partook in the UFC Moscow (aka UFC Fight Night: Magomedsharipov vs. Kattar) event's fight-week festivities in November 2019. During a fan Q&A segment, Nurmagomedov was asked about why he doesn't wear the Russian flag.

Nurmagomedov responded by seemingly jabbing at McGregor's alcoholic beverage business, also referencing the reported pub altercation between the Irishman and an elderly gentleman. He also made an allusion to McGregor often carrying the Irish flag. Per Russian outlet RT, Nurmagomedov stated:

"Good question. I was expecting it. People who wear flags say that they represent their native land. But, unlike them, I don't rape women, don't beat old people, don't tell people to drink alcohol."

"I represent in my own way. I don't believe that if you wear a flag you're a patriot, and if you don't then you're not. There are many things that you must do before you raise that flag. It's not enough to just raise it. You have to show good character," he added.

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's answer below:

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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor's combat sports paths have diverged in recent years

Khabib Nurmagomedov's father and mentor, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away in July 2020. Khabib competed just once after that and retired in October 2020. Nevertheless, he's continued training in the ensuing years and often helps his teammates prepare for their fights.

The Nurmagomedov-McGregor rivalry hasn't ended, but it's believed that their MMA rematch won't materialize because Nurmagomedov is unlikely to come out of retirement. Furthermore, while Nurmagomedov's MMA career has long ended, McGregor is aiming to end his MMA hiatus (dating back to July 2021) and return in 2025.

The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion has also implied that he could compete in an exhibition boxing bout against YouTuber and WWE superstar Logan Paul, organized by the Ambani Family in India in 2025.