Khabib Nurmagomedov: “I really wanted to bite someone’s heart” during the brawl after the fight against Conor McGregor

Khabib Nurmagoemdov has no problem with fools. The buildup to Conor McGregor vs. Nurmagomedov was one of the most intense fight events in mixed martial arts history. McGregor chalked it up to business, but Nurmagomedov insists it was personal.

UFC 229 set several records in 2018, including a pay-per-view buy record that still stands today. The fight combined the incredible star power of the athletes with nasty trash talk, especially from the Irishman. McGregor insulted Nurmagomedov's family and religion. Nurmagmedov bore the burden of those insults in UFC 229. After defeating McGregor via fourth-round submission, the UFC lightweight champion jumped into the crowd to attack McGregor's teammate Dillon Danis, sparking a brawl involving several men at cageside and in the Octagon.

“It was a very emotional time, but at the same time, it was my feeling – I really wanted to bite someone's heart,” Nurmagomedov said on the “Inspire Me” podcast. “Do you have that feeling in your life? I just tried to bite him in the heart.”

“Maybe you can sense that. I am 'The Eagle', and when the eagle is hungry, it is not good. He has to hunt. That's why.”

UFC President Dana White, fearing further consequences, refused to put the lightweight title around Nurmagomedov's waist after order was restored. Nurmagomedov's actions sparked a number of different reactions. The UFC Hall of Famer is happy with his decision that evening.

“Many people said it was very strange or weird or something like that, but it was my decision,” Nurmagomedov said.

Nurmagomedov beat up McGregor for most of the 18 minutes. McGregor was caught on video telling his rival mid-fight, “It's just business.” Nurmagomedov did not have the same attitude at UFC 229. Nurmagomedov was ready to pay McGregor back tenfold for the tasteless comments he made before the fight.

“It was like we just signed the contract and I prayed to God, just close the cage and he and I are alone,” Nurmagomedov said. “That's what I really, really wanted at that point. Because you never know, someone can get hurt, something can happen. You never know. I was preparing for this fight and waiting for this moment. I was very happy.”

“I remember when I came into the cage, when the cage closed, I remember looking at Dana. [White] and I said, “Today you can't protect him.” Dana asked me what? I said, “Today you can't protect him.” He didn't hear me. It's OK after the fight [we’ll] speak.”