5 Stats That Prove Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov Almost Had Similar UFC Careers

Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov

The world of MMA has seen its fair share of legends, but only a few shine as brightly as Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. These two titans of the octagon have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their rivalry, one that still continues to this day, played a big factor in making the UFC what it is today.

Now, Khabib has retired, and McGregor is somewhat semi-retired. But to this day, their impact on this sport on a global scale still lives on. Their careers, while seemingly different, share some surprising similarities. Let’s dive into five stats showing how parallel their journeys were. Fans might be surprised at the similarities between the two.

A Look At Conor McGregor And Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Stats That Prove Their Career Similarities

1. McGregor Vs. Khabib: Title Defences

First up, let’s talk title fights. Both McGregor and Nurmagomedov stepped into the octagon four times with gold on the line. McGregor’s tally includes his interim title bout against Chad Mendes and his title fight with Eddie Alvarez, Jose Aldo, and Nurmagomedov. For the Dagestani phenom, he faced Al Iaquinta, McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier in his four title fights.

2. McGregor Vs. Khabib: Total UFC Fights

Next, let’s move to their UFC fight counts. McGregor edges out Nurmagomedov by a hair here. The Irishman boasts 14 UFC appearances, while the Dagestani warrior clocks in at 13. Keep in mind that McGregor is still kicking while Nurmagomedov has retired.

3. McGregor Vs. Khabib: The PPV King

When it comes to pay-per-view prowess, these two are in a league of their own. Their clash at UFC 229 shattered records with a mind-boggling 2.4 million buys. That’s more viewers than the population of some small countries!

4. McGregor Vs. Khabib: Legacy In The Sport

Both fighters also etched their names in the history books with unique achievements. Nurmagomedov became the first undefeated, undisputed UFC lightweight champion. He set a record of 29-0, the one and only to stay undefeated in his professional career.

Meanwhile, McGregor made waves as the first simultaneous two-division UFC champ. He was the featherweight and lightweight champion at the same time. Talk about leaving a legacy!

5. McGregor Vs. Khabib: Career Regrets

Their careers weren’t without frustrations for fans. Despite clamoring from supporters, McGregor never defended his world titles. On the other hand, Nurmagomedov steadfastly refused to fight outside his weight class. Fans begged, but neither budged.

These stats paint a picture of two fighters whose careers unexpectedly mirror each other. Their paths, while different, led them to similar heights of fame and achievement. McGregor and Nurmagomedov’s careers are more alike than many realize, from title fights to record-breaking events. They may have been bitter rivals, but their legacies are forever intertwined.