Every MMA fan in the world is aware of the legendary rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
Their feud is not just about fighting inside the Octagon, but also about pride, culture, respect, and personal boundaries.
Even years after their historic clash, the biggest question remains: Is Khabib still hating Conor McGregor?
This question has come back into the spotlight recently because of mixed signals from people close to Khabib’s camp.
On one side, Conor McGregor has praised Khabib’s teammate, Islam Makhachev, for his achievements.
Islam, in return, surprised many fans by praising Conor McGregor in an interview, calling him a once-in-a-generation star.
On the other side, Khabib’s close friend Daniel Cormier claimed that Khabib still does not like Conor at all.
So what is really going on? Has time healed the wounds, or is the rivalry still burning under the surface? Let’s break it down in detail.
The Origin of the Khabib vs Conor Rivalry
To understand whether Khabib still hates Conor, we must first revisit how this rivalry began. Their feud was never just about a title fight. It was deeply personal.
Before their fight at UFC 229, Conor McGregor used aggressive trash talk that crossed lines. He attacked Khabib’s religion, family, country, and team.
The infamous bus attack, where Conor threw a dolly at a bus carrying Khabib and other fighters, made things even worse.
For Khabib, this was not a promotion. This was disrespect.
Inside the Octagon, Khabib dominated Conor with his wrestling and submission skills, finishing him in the fourth round.
But the fight didn’t end there. What followed was chaos, Khabib jumping the cage, Conor’s team rushing in, and one of the most controversial moments in MMA history.
That night turned a rivalry into permanent bad blood.
Khabib’s Personality: Why Forgiveness Is Hard for Him
Khabib Nurmagomedov is not like most MMA fighters. He doesn’t separate fighting from personal values. Respect, discipline, and honor are core parts of his life.
After retiring undefeated, Khabib has repeatedly said that he has moved on from fighting. But when it comes to Conor McGregor, his tone changes.
Khabib has rarely spoken Conor’s name directly. Instead, he often refers to him as “that guy” or “him.”
According to Daniel Cormier, this is not accidental.
In a podcast, Daniel revealed that Khabib genuinely dislikes Conor so much that he doesn’t even want to say his name.
For Khabib, mentioning Conor means giving him attention, something he believes Conor does not deserve.
This behavior strongly suggests that Khabib has not forgiven Conor, at least not fully.
Daniel Cormier’s Statement: A Clear Sign of Hate?
Daniel Cormier knows Khabib better than almost anyone outside his family. They trained together, traveled together, and shared a deep bond.
When Daniel said that Khabib does not like Conor McGregor at all, fans took it seriously. Daniel even pointed out that in recent interviews, Khabib avoided saying Conor’s name and instead used indirect references.
This is important because Khabib is usually very honest and direct. If he avoids a name repeatedly, it clearly shows unresolved emotions.
So based on Daniel Cormier’s words, the answer seems simple: yes, Khabib still hates Conor McGregor.
But then comes the confusing part.
Islam Makhachev Praising Conor McGregor
While Khabib maintains silence or negativity, Islam Makhachev has taken a very different approach.
In a recent interview, Islam openly praised Conor McGregor. He said that everyone in MMA tries to be like Conor, but no one is even close.
Islam highlighted Conor’s counter-punching skills, star power, and impact on the sport.
Islam even compared Conor with Ilia Topuria and stated clearly that Conor is on another level.
This shocked many fans because Islam is Khabib’s closest teammate, student, and brother-like figure.
They trained together for years, and Khabib played a massive role in Islam’s rise to the top.
So why is Islam praising someone Khabib clearly dislikes?
Does Islam Makhachev Think Differently Than Khabib?
One important thing to understand is that Islam Makhachev is his own person. While Khabib was his mentor, Islam has a different personality.
Khabib takes things personally. Islam looks at things more professionally.
Islam’s praise for Conor does not mean he likes him personally. It simply means he respects Conor’s contribution to MMA.
From a technical and business point of view, Conor McGregor changed the sport forever.
Islam recognizes that without Conor, the UFC would not be at the level it is today. Bigger paydays, global reach, and mainstream attention all increased because of Conor.
This does not mean Islam wants to copy Conor’s behavior. It just means he can separate skill and legacy from personal issues.
Is Islam Trying to Build a Different Image?
Another angle is branding and image.
Islam Makhachev is now a global superstar. He is a pound-for-pound champion and a two-division titleholder. With fame comes responsibility and media attention.
By praising Conor McGregor, Islam shows maturity and confidence. He does not need to hate someone to prove loyalty to Khabib.
Instead, he presents himself as a calm, respectful champion who can appreciate greatness even in rivals.
This approach helps Islam gain fans outside the hardcore MMA audience. It also keeps him away from unnecessary controversies.
So, Islam praising Conor does not mean he is against Khabib. It simply means he chooses a different path.
Conor McGregor Praising Islam Makhachev
Interestingly, Conor McGregor has also praised Islam Makhachev in recent times. He acknowledged Islam’s achievements and dominance.
This mutual respect between Conor and Islam feels strange given the history between Conor and Khabib. But it shows how MMA dynamics change over time.
Conor knows Khabib is retired and unavailable. Islam, however, is active and relevant. Praising Islam keeps Conor connected to the current MMA conversation.
Khabib’s Silence Speaks Louder Than Words
Despite all these developments, Khabib’s stance has not changed much.
He has never publicly praised Conor. He has never shown interest in reconciliation. He rarely responds to Conor’s comments.
For Khabib, respect must be earned, and once it is lost, it is very difficult to regain. From Khabib’s perspective, Conor crossed unforgivable lines.
Even if Islam chooses to be respectful, Khabib does not feel obligated to follow the same approach.
Is Khabib and His Team Trying to Fix Things?
Some fans believe that Islam praising Conor could be a sign that Khabib’s team is slowly trying to cool down the rivalry. But there is no solid evidence for this.
Khabib has moved on to coaching, business, and family life. He does not need Conor McGregor in his life, either professionally or personally.
If reconciliation ever happens, it will likely be private, not public. Khabib is not someone who seeks public closure.
Final Verdict: Does Khabib Still Hate Conor?
Based on all available information, the answer is clear.
Yes, Khabib Nurmagomedov still hates Conor McGregor.
Daniel Cormier’s statements, Khabib’s refusal to say Conor’s name, and his consistent silence all point in the same direction. Time has passed, but the wounds have not fully healed.
At the same time, Islam Makhachev’s praise for Conor shows that not everyone in Khabib’s camp shares the same emotional baggage. Islam respects Conor’s legacy while staying true to his own values.
In the end, MMA is a sport of individuals, not clones. Khabib and Islam may walk together, but they think differently.
Only time will tell if this rivalry ever truly ends. For now, it remains one of the most intense and unforgettable rivalries in the history of mixed martial arts.