After a couple of years of sideshow, the main event is back on the cards. It was confirmed last night that Conor McGregor will fight Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 on October 6th in Las Vegas. The official announcement came last night, and will mark the end of McGregor's lengthy exile from the octagon. While he has been away, Nurmagomedov has accentuated his own credentials and become lightweight champion.
Speaking on ESPN, respected MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has deemed the fight "the biggest in UFC history".
This was the fight to make. They had to make it. In my opinion, this is the biggest fight in UFC history. He [Khabib] is the most dominant force in the history of the sport; 26 and 0. He doesn't just beat his opponents he mauls them, he's like a bear.
In fact, as a kid, he used to train with bears. He is the lightweight champion of the UFC, and Conor was once the lightweight champion of the UFC.
It's going to be massive, it's a jolt for the company. He is the biggest star in the company and they needed him back.
Elsewhere, pros, fans and journalists alike reacted to some badly-needed big news for the UFC.
Damn!!! CMac is back!!! I have no idea how this will go. Two guys, extremely skilled in opposite areas. Who will be first to impose their will on Oct 6?? 👀 #UFC25Years
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 3, 2018
I'm thinking @TheNotoriousMMA by ko rd 2. Too easy to hit and Conor hits too hard
— chris fields (@chrisfieldsmma) August 3, 2018
Gotta admit I never thought Conor would take this fight. Win or lose I respect him for coming back to the worst matchup he could ask for. Who you got? #Repost @ufc
・・・
THE WAIT IS OVER!… https://t.co/kRTNOS373t— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) August 3, 2018
okokok
Conor's hardest fight - yes, Khabib's skill in one area (Wrestling) is far higher than the level of any of Conor's previous other opponents. Depending on how the fight unfolds, you may end up seeing "grappling" beating "wrestling" in the fight.— Andrew McGahon (@andrewmcgahon_) August 3, 2018
2 years away from the cage.
All the money anyone could ever want.
Returns to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov.
This ends any talk of Conor McGregor dodging anyone for being a tough match-up.— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) August 3, 2018
Conor the Striker vs Khabib the Grappler. A story as old as time, well, a story of 25 years. It doesn’t get bigger than this. @ufc
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) August 3, 2018
See Also: UFC Drama As Furious Nate Diaz Storms Off Stage During McGregor Promo
