"He took his soul that night" - Fans react as Khabib Nurmagomedov looks back at wanting to "bite" Conor McGregor's heart at UFC 229

Khabib Nurmagomedov was able to defeat Conor McGregor via fourth-round submission at UFC 229, which remains the highest-selling pay-per-view event in promotional history with 2.4 million buys. Much of the attention was brought due to the heated build-up before the October 2018 card. 'The Eagle' recently looked back on his emotions going into the bout.

Speaking to Adam Catterall on the Inspire Me Podcast, the UFC Hall of Famer said:

"I remember when I come inside the cage, when the cage closed, I remember I looked at Dana [White] and I said, 'today, you cannot protect [Conor McGregor].' Dana asked me what? I said, 'today, you cannot protect him.' He didn't hear me, it's ok after the fight [we'll] talk... It was a very emotional time, but at the same time, it was my feeling - I really wanted to bite someone's heart. Do you have that feeling in your life? I just tried to bite his heart."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on facing Conor McGregor below:

Fans reacted to the former lightweight champion's comments, with @chrislindvall claiming that 'The Notorious' has not been the same since facing Nurmagomedov:

"He took his soul that night. Conor hasn't been the same since that fight."

@j5soz2021 believed that 'The Eagle' will always be on his rival's mind:

"Khabib will always live rent free in Connors head. Don’t think I’ve ever been happier for somone to lose and especially way he lost, to tap is ultimate loss"

@hogmob_ suggested McGregor's name keeps Nurmagomedov relevant:

"Keeping King Conor In His Mouth .. Is How He Stays Relevant .. 🤷🏽‍♂️"

@technoviking303 labeled it as one of the most satisfying moments in combat sports:

"That was one of the most satisfying moments in combat sports history"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

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Khabib Nurmagomedov discusses failed Tony Ferguson matchup

Khabib Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Tony Ferguson five times between December 2015 and April 2020. The bout never came to fruition, however, due to multiple withdrawals on both sides. 'The Eagle' discussed the failed matchup during his recent interview with Adam Catterall of the Inspire Me Podcast, stating:

"I feel a little bit sad, but same time, I always understand my game is worse for him. He doesn't have wrestling, he doesn't have grappling, what's he going to do with me? How's he going to stop me? Only chance how he can stop me is only lucky punch like with everybody. Like with Conor [McGregor], with [Dustin] Poirier, with Justin Gaethje. Everybody talk about like, 'they can stop him if [they] get a lucky punch', but other stuff, how's he going to stop me?"

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on Tony Ferguson below:

Nurmagomedov and Ferguson were set to clash for the fifth and final time at UFC 249 as both were riding 12-fight win streaks. 'The Eagle', however, was unable to leave Russia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

'El Cucuy' went on to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title, losing the bout via fifth-round TKO - the first loss of an ongoing eight-fight losing streak. Khabib faced 'The Highlight' in a lightweight title unification bout at UFC 254, winning the bout via second-round submission before retiring.