The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most heated in UFC history. It began with respect in 2014, but soon turned into years of conflict, insults, and chaos that went far beyond the cage.

Over time, injuries, title changes, and personal clashes turned a potential matchup into a bitter feud that peaked at UFC 229 in 2018, the biggest event in the sport’s history. Their story includes a bus attack in New York, record-breaking pay-per-view sales, a post-fight brawl, and tension that still lingers years later.

Today, we’ll take you through the complete McGregor vs. Khabib rivalry, covering every fight, quote, date, and headline that made it one of the fiercest and most unforgettable chapters in combat sports.

The Beginning: Respect and Injuries (2014–2015)

The first interaction between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov took place on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178 in Las Vegas, Nevada. On that night, McGregor defeated Dustin Poirier via first-round knockout in the featherweight division. Following the victory, Khabib posted a photo on social media of himself standing beside McGregor backstage with the caption, “With Conor McGregor after his unbelievable victory in UFC 178.”

At that point, the two fighters, both seen as rising prospects within the UFC, appeared as if they were backing each other.

However, Khabib’s career soon became defined by injuries that kept him sidelined during important years of his rise. On July 14, 2014, he was scheduled to fight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 178, but a serious knee injury forced him to withdraw. The matchup was rescheduled for UFC 187, but another injury again removed him from the card. Later, when booked to face Tony Ferguson at The Ultimate Fighter Season 22 Finale, he was forced out once more.

Consequently, Nurmagomedov missed nearly two years of competition, and it wasn’t until 2016 that he began recovering and returning to regular activity.

Meanwhile, McGregor’s rise continued at an extraordinary pace. On March 26, 2015, ahead of his featherweight title bout against Jose Aldo, a fan asked McGregor about moving up to the lightweight division. When asked who might hold the title in the future, McGregor responded, “I think Khabib will get the lightweight belt.”

On April 2, 2015, Nurmagomedov, still out with an injury, returned fire through the media. Known for his frequent trash talk, he called out McGregor directly, using his trademark word “smash” to describe what he intended to do if they ever fought.

McGregor’s Rise to Double Champion and Khabib’s Return (2015–2016)

McGregor achieved one of the biggest wins in UFC history on December 12, 2015, when he knocked out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194, winning the UFC featherweight title. The victory immediately fueled speculation about his move up to the lightweight division.

On December 27, 2015, Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, stating that Conor McGregor should defend his featherweight title against Frankie Edgar before chasing another belt. The interview showed a change in Khabib’s attitude, as he moved from outspoken comments to a more serious, competition-driven focus.

On January 7, 2016, McGregor officially announced his move to lightweight. He was booked to face reigning UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, but the Brazilian withdrew due to a foot injury. Nate Diaz replaced him, launching McGregor’s new rivalry in 2016.

After a lengthy injury layoff, Khabib finally returned to action on April 16, 2016, at UFC on FOX 19 in Tampa, Florida. He was originally scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson, but Ferguson withdrew, and Khabib instead faced UFC newcomer Darrell Horcher. Nurmagomedov dominated the fight, earning a second-round TKO victory after a display of relentless takedowns and ground strikes.

The win reaffirmed Khabib’s return to elite form and his position as a top lightweight contender.

Title Tension and First Confrontations (2016–2017)

In September 2016, UFC fans expected a lightweight title fight between McGregor and newly crowned champion Eddie Alvarez. Confusion erupted on September 23, 2016, when UFC President Dana White tweeted that Alvarez would instead face Nurmagomedov. It was later reported that the UFC used Khabib’s involvement as leverage during contract negotiations with Alvarez, sending Khabib’s multiple bout agreements to pressure Alvarez into signing. Ultimately, Alvarez agreed to fight McGregor, and Khabib wasn’t happy about it.

On November 11, 2016, during UFC 205 weigh-ins in New York, McGregor and Nurmagomedov were caught on camera in a brief, heated backstage shouting exchange that lasted approximately nine seconds. The reason for the confrontation and what was said were never revealed.

The next night, on November 12, 2016, McGregor defeated Eddie Alvarez by second-round TKO at UFC 205, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously. Following the win, McGregor was later stripped of his featherweight title and announced that he would take time off from competition.

In early 2017, Khabib’s struggles continued. He was scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 209 on March 3, 2017, but was forced to withdraw due to complications from his weight cut.

Later that year, McGregor shifted his focus to boxing. On August 26, 2017, he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a professional boxing match at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. McGregor lost by 10th-round TKO, but the event was commercially successful.

Khabib returned to the Octagon on December 30, 2017, at UFC 219, defeating Edson Barboza by unanimous decision after dominating all three rounds with takedowns and control. This victory set up his next opportunity at the lightweight championship.

The Bus Attack and the Build-Up to UFC 229 (2018)

On April 3, 2018, a video surfaced showing Nurmagomedov and members of his team confronting Artem Lobov, a close friend and training partner of McGregor, at a hotel in Brooklyn, New York. The altercation involved Khabib’s team surrounding Lobov and physically slapping him.

Two days later, on April 5, 2018, McGregor arrived at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a group of what UFC President Dana White described as “20 to 30 goons.” McGregor and his team attacked a bus carrying Khabib, throwing a hand truck through a window. The attack injured fighters Michael Chiesa and Ray Borg with broken glass, forcing them out of their scheduled fights.

McGregor turned himself in to the authorities and was charged with assault and criminal mischief.

Despite the chaos, UFC 223 proceeded as planned on April 7, 2018. After two opponent changes, Khabib faced Al Iaquinta for the UFC lightweight title. Nurmagomedov won by unanimous decision, becoming the undisputed lightweight champion. After the fight, Dana White confirmed that McGregor had been officially stripped of his title.

On July 26, 2018, McGregor pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and received five days of community service for the bus attack. The UFC chose not to impose additional penalties.

A week later, on August 3, 2018, the UFC officially announced Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor for UFC 229, scheduled for October 6, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

UFC 229: The Record-Breaking Fight and Post-Fight Riot

UFC 229 became the biggest event in UFC history. The event recorded 2.4 million pay-per-view buys, the highest in the company’s history.

On October 6, 2018, Khabib and McGregor finally faced each other in the Octagon. Nurmagomedov controlled most of the fight with his grappling and ground-and-pound. McGregor rallied briefly in the third round, landing several strikes and giving Khabib one of the toughest rounds of his career. In the fourth round, Khabib secured a neck crank submission, forcing McGregor to tap out.

Immediately after his victory, Nurmagomedov threw his mouthpiece and jumped over the cage toward McGregor’s corner, attacking Dillon Danis, McGregor’s jiu-jitsu coach. Members of Khabib’s team also entered the cage and struck McGregor from behind.

The post-fight brawl caused chaos inside the T-Mobile Arena. The Nevada State Athletic Commission withheld Khabib’s $2 million purse. UFC officials decided not to award Khabib his belt in the cage due to safety concerns, as fans threw drinks and objects toward the Octagon.

The Fallout: Years of Silence, Insults, and Legal Battles (2019–2025)

Even though Khabib retired, the rivalry was far from over. McGregor continued to verbally attack Khabib on social media, including offensive remarks about Khabib’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and personal accusations regarding Khabib’s life in Russia. Khabib has consistently refused to respond or even mention McGregor by name.

In 2025, former teammate Artem Lobov, once McGregor’s closest friend, filed a $6 million lawsuit against him concerning profits from McGregor’s whiskey company, Proper No. Twelve.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Lobov discussed how the feud first escalated in 2016 when Khabib repeatedly called McGregor a “chicken.” He said, “‘Chicken’ is one of the biggest insults you can give a man in Russia. In fact, if you call someone a chicken in Russia, that is a person that gets raped in prison, in male prison.” Artem Lobov explained that the term, while seemingly harmless in Western culture, is considered highly offensive in Russia and contributed to the growing tension between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.

Khabib said he will never return to fighting, that a return is less than one percent likely, yet McGregor has publicly stated that he still wants a rematch, suggesting that Khabib could be tempted back due to reported tax issues in Russia. As of 2025, there has been no confirmation or response from Nurmagomedov.

The New York Mets face two pressing questions this offseason. One concerns a potential trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball and a near lock to claim his second consecutive Cy Young Award. Skubal is under team control through 2026, which makes him even more valuable, but acquiring him would require the Mets to part with several top prospects. Even with that cost, such a move could give the team a true ace to lead its rotation.

The other, equally important question centers on Pete Alonso, the Mets’ all-time home run leader and the heart of their lineup — whether the team will re-sign him. Alonso, now 30, is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, hitting 38 home runs with a .272 batting average and an .871 OPS, his highest since 2019. On September 27, 2025, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Alonso celebrated a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the third inning.

Why Pete Alonso Fits the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks stand out as one of the few teams that could immediately offer Alonso a perfect role. Arizona’s midseason trades — sending Josh Naylor to Seattle on July 25 and Eugenio Suárez on July 31 — left both corner infield spots vacant. Naylor and Suárez had been two of the team’s best power hitters, and their departures created a hole in the lineup and a clear need for a reliable slugger.

Arizona still has a talented group led by Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo, but the loss of its main power sources means the Diamondbacks will likely search for a new cleanup hitter this winter. Chase Field is a hitter-friendly ballpark that could further boost Alonso’s numbers, making it an ideal environment for his style of play.

In an October 17 FOX Sports article, Arizona was listed as one of Alonso’s three best free-agent fits if he decides to leave New York. The report noted that while other teams could pursue him, few have both the need and the ideal hitting conditions that the Diamondbacks offer.

Still, that same article emphasized the word if. The Mets remain the most natural fit — the franchise that drafted Alonso, developed him, and watched him become a fan favorite. Many in Queens hope the front office will find a way to keep him in orange and blue before the 2026 season begins.

Predictions and Expert Opinions

Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicted that the Mets might lose Alonso in free agency this winter, though he did not name a specific team. Beaston wrote, “That may depend on whether he is willing to give up first base and slot into the designated hitter spot, with questions about his defensive throwing ability causing concern.”

He continued, “If the Mets do not bring Alonso back, there will be plenty of teams who could benefit from his presence in the lineup. The Philadelphia Phillies are one such team, depending on what happens with impending free agent Kyle Schwarber, as are the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.”

Beaston added, “There will always be a place for an incredible offensive presence like Alonso, who can turn a game around with a single swing of the bat. The question is how much of a sticking point remaining at first is for him.”

Alonso’s Contract Situation and Market Value

Alonso has referred to his current deal, signed before the 2025 season, as a “bridge” contract — a temporary stop before a larger payday. After another strong campaign, he confirmed that he would opt out and test free agency.

Despite his age, Alonso’s performance in 2025 strengthened his market value. His barrel rate and hard-hit percentage were both career highs, and he once again played all 162 games, showing remarkable durability.

Analysts estimate Alonso could command a three-year deal worth around $90 million or a four-year contract worth about $110 million. If he lands the longer deal, his total earnings between 2025 and 2029 would reach approximately $140 million.

His market outlook also shifted earlier in the year when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, taking another elite first baseman off the free-agent market.

Free-agent options include Josh Naylor (Seattle Mariners), Cody Bellinger (Yankees), Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan O’Hearn (Padres), and Rhys Hoskins (Brewers). Among them, only Bellinger had a better 2025 season, and he did so while playing primarily in the outfield. If teams view Alonso as more of a designated hitter, he will face competition from Kyle Schwarber and Marcell Ozuna, while Eugenio Suárez remains his closest right-handed power rival.

The Mets’ Internal and External Options

The Mets’ internal options for replacing Alonso are limited. Mark Vientos struggled in 2025 and saw reduced playing time, while prospect Ryan Clifford performed well in Double-A and Triple-A with an .826 OPS, but he may need more development time before handling MLB pitching.

Externally, the Mets could look to the trade market or pursue a short-term free-agent slugger, but none provide Alonso’s combination of power, consistency, and leadership. The team has the financial means to keep him, yet general manager David Stearns prefers shorter deals, which could open the door for other teams — particularly Arizona — to offer longer-term security.

According to Action Network, when 2026 futures odds reopen after the World Series, the Diamondbacks’ 80–82 record and lack of power bats will likely keep them among longer shots unless they add a middle-of-the-order hitter like Alonso. On the other hand, if the Mets retain Alonso and pull off a trade for Skubal, their odds could improve significantly from their +1400 opening line last spring.

The question of which sport is truly the hardest has divided athletes, analysts, and fans for generations. From the punishing collisions of rugby and boxing to the relentless pace of football, each camp claims its discipline demands the ultimate mix of strength, skill, and endurance.

But toughness isn’t just about brute force. Some sports test the body’s breaking point, others challenge lightning-fast reflexes or razor-sharp precision — and a rare few push all three to extremes.

In this feature, we rank the world’s most dangerous and demanding sports, assessing each by speed, stamina, skill, strength, and sheer intensity.

The results reveal what it really takes to survive — and succeed — in the planet’s toughest arenas.

1. Boxing

When we talk about truly tough sports, boxing always comes up as one of the hardest.

It’s not just about being strong but also about having the physical and mental toughness to handle the intense demands.

As you probably already know, boxers need to have a lot of endurance, be strong, fast, and agile, and they also have to be smart about how they fight.

Before they even step into the ring, they undergo intense training to make sure their bodies are ready for the hits they will take.

The process involves a ton of cardio, strength work, and drills to get their techniques right.

Then, when it’s time to fight, they have to push themselves hard for several rounds, each lasting three minutes, all while keeping up that high level of effort.

But it’s not just about being physically ready; boxers must also be mentally strong.

They must stay focused, predict their opponent’s next move, and think about how to attack while keeping themselves safe.

So, mental toughness helps them keep going, even when they’re tired or in pain.

Boxing is risky, too, mainly because of the real danger of head injuries and long-term brain damage. Due to this, it’s at the top of our list of the most dangerous sports.

Famous boxers like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Manny Pacquiao have shown just how much physical and mental strength is needed to succeed in this sport, making it clear why boxing is such a tough and respected sport.

2. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) often comes to mind when people ask what’s the most dangerous sport.

What makes it so challenging is that fighters don’t just focus on one thing—they must be good at many different types of fighting, such as boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and more.

So, it’s not only about being strong or fast but mastering various techniques.

And because the fight can go from standing up to being on the ground in a split second, fighters must always be ready to switch things up, which keeps them on their toes.

Undeniably, fighters must be in amazing shape and undergo tough training to succeed in MMA.

They work on building endurance, strength, and flexibility so they can handle the demands of a fight.

In a typical MMA fight, there are three to five rounds, each lasting five minutes, and they don’t get much time to rest in between.

The pace is intense, and fighters must protect themselves from attacks while figuring out how to outsmart their opponents.

It’s like a fast-moving chess game, which makes MMA just as much about thinking as physical fighting.

Fighters like Conor McGregor and Anderson Silva have shown how much strategy, skill, and athleticism it takes to succeed in MMA, proving that it’s one of the most demanding sports out there.

3. Ironman Triathlon

Now, if we’re talking about events that really push people to their absolute limits, the Ironman Triathlon is probably at the top of the list.

This race combines three tough activities: swimming, biking, and running, and athletes have to do them all back-to-back without any breaks.

It starts with a 2.4-mile swim, then turns into a 112-mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2-mile full marathon.

Just hearing that is enough to know how incredibly hard it is.

And each part of the race needs different kinds of preparation.

Swimming takes a lot of skill and upper-body strength. Cycling is all about having strong legs that can keep going for hours, and running the marathon requires physical stamina and mental strength to keep going when you’re exhausted.

Doing an Ironman is about being in good shape as much as being mentally tough.

Athletes have to manage their energy, stay focused for hours, and fight until their bodies feel like they can’t go on anymore, which many call “hitting the wall.”

Only the fittest athletes can finish an Ironman, and those who do put in months, sometimes even years, of training to prepare their bodies and minds.

That’s exactly why completing an Ironman is considered the ultimate test of endurance.

4. Gymnastics

Take men’s gymnastics, for example—athletes compete on apparatus like the pommel horse and still rings, events that require immense upper body strength, balance, and control.
Meanwhile, women’s events such as the floor routine and balance beam fuse power with grace, demanding flawless timing, poise, and precision.

But gymnastics challenges more than just the body—it’s a mental game as well.
Competitors must maintain unwavering focus to conquer the fear of falls, potential injuries, and the high-stakes pressure to execute perfect routines.

One minor slip in a high-difficulty sequence can lead to major consequences, making concentration and psychological endurance just as critical as physical skill.
Yet despite the risks, gymnastics remains one of the most captivating sports, celebrated for its fusion of strength, technique, and artistry.

5. Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a sport that stands out for being one of the hardest due to its fast pace, physical nature, and need for high-level skills.

As a result, players must be great at skating while controlling the puck, all while moving at high speeds.

Furthermore, ice hockey is also very physical, with body-checking being a big part of the game.

This leads to many hard hits and collisions, making injuries pretty common, even though players wear protective gear.

Needless to say, endurance is another big factor in ice hockey.

The game has three 20-minute periods, and players constantly sprint on the ice, pass, and shoot.

With all this activity, the shifts are short but intense, testing their fitness and strength.

On top of all this, players need to be sharp mentally, as they have to make quick decisions about where to go, how to control the puck, and how to work with teammates in high-pressure situations.

Despite its physical nature, hockey is also a game of strategy.

Teams need to work together to outsmart their opponents, and individual players have to balance aggressiveness with smart plays to avoid penalties.

Speed, skill, physical contact, and strategy are what make ice hockey such a tough and demanding sport.

6. Water Polo

Few sports look as exhausting as water polo — and with good reason. Players spend the entire match swimming or treading water, using the powerful eggbeater kick to stay afloat while passing, shooting, and battling for position.

There’s no rest on the pool floor; athletes must keep moving through four intense seven-minute quarters, combining elite stamina with explosive strength. Beneath the surface, the game gets even tougher — underwater grappling and constant contact test both physical and mental endurance.

Tactically, water polo mirrors the strategy of basketball or soccer, but with the added resistance of water. Blending endurance, strength, and precision, it stands as one of the most grueling and uniquely demanding sports in the world.

7. Rugby

Rugby is one of the toughest sports because it pushes the body and mind to the limit.

Consequently, players must be strong, have a lot of stamina, and be quick on their feet.

Since they wear very little protective gear, they rely heavily on their strength and ability to handle the constant tackles and physical collisions that are part of the game.

They spend 80 minutes running, sprinting, and enduring hits without real breaks.

Given the relentless pace, rugby tests players’ endurance because they are always moving across the field.

Specifically, this requires strong cardiovascular fitness to handle running long distances and high-intensity efforts like scrums and tackles.

As such, the game demands a balance of aerobic and anaerobic energy, pushing stamina to its limit.

Players must also be powerful, particularly in the legs and upper body, to succeed in tackles and scrums. And the sport calls for explosive power, strength, and conditioning.

However, agility is just as important because players must move around the field quickly, avoid being tackled, and be in the right spot during the fast-moving game.

In addition, they need to be mentally sharp, making quick decisions while staying focused despite all the chaos around them.

8. Bull Riding

Bull riding is often dubbed the “most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” and the title is well earned. Those few seconds feel endless when a rider is atop a 2,000-pound bull determined to throw them off.

Surviving the ride demands extraordinary balance, core strength, and an iron grip.

But physical power alone isn’t enough—bull riding is just as much a mental battle. Athletes must confront fear directly, knowing injuries are frequent and severe accidents are a constant threat.

Staying composed while anticipating the bull’s violent, unpredictable movements is crucial. Mastery takes years of relentless practice, as riders learn to control body position, remain centered, and endure immense physical and psychological pressure.

9. Motocross

Motocross is another sport that demands both physical and mental endurance.

Riders navigate off-road tracks filled with obstacles like mud, sand, and steep jumps while riding at high speeds.

Therefore, the sport requires riders to be in top physical shape, have quick reflexes, and have sharp focus.

Riders must constantly adapt to the changing track conditions while keeping control of their bikes.

As you can imagine, the physical strain is intense, as their heart rates often exceed 165 beats per minute for long periods.

Additionally, there are no breaks, and they have to stay focused, quickly reacting to obstacles and making instant decisions to avoid crashing.

Motocross pushes both mental resilience and physical endurance, with riders training for years to master these skills.

10. Hurling

Hurling is one of Ireland’s oldest sports and is often called the fastest field game in the world.

It’s a mix of lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball, but it requires high speed, strength, and skill to play.

You’ve got two teams of 15 players each, competing on a big grassy field, and their goal is to score by hitting a small ball called a “sliotar” with a wooden stick called a “hurley.”

You get one point for getting the sliotar over the crossbar and three points for putting it into a net.

Although, what really makes hurling stand out is its speed.

The sliotar can reach speeds of up to 112 mph, meaning players must be incredibly quick and precise.

Along with speed, it also takes a lot of hand-eye coordination and stamina.

Players have to be skilled at several skills, like soloing (balancing the sliotar on the hurley while running), hitting the ball mid-air or off the ground, and catching it.

There’s also a lot of physical contact—shoulder-to-shoulder clashes are part of the game, so it’s really intense.

Hurling is just as much about teamwork and strategy, though.

It’s not just about being good on your own; it’s also about being able to work with your teammates to get the sliotar down the field and set up chances to score.

Plus, it’s got a deep cultural significance in Ireland.

The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is one of the biggest events in the country.

Between the game’s fast pace and the fans’ energy, hurling is one of the most exciting and challenging sports out there.

11. Decathlon

The decathlon is all about testing your ability at different athletic events, as it combines ten track and field events over two days.

Those events are 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500m run.

To do well, athletes need explosive power for events like the 100m and high jump, along with endurance for the 400m and 1500m, making it one of the toughest competitions in sports.

Each event has its challenges and testing skills like speed, strength, flexibility, and technique.

And decathletes have to train a lot to develop a balanced skill set that lets them compete across all these events.

The scoring system rewards consistency, so athletes rack up points based on how well they do in each event, and whoever has the most points at the end wins.

One of the hardest parts about the decathlon is managing your energy and recovering over the two days.

Athletes must pace themselves to have enough left for the most tiring event, the 1500m run, which comes at the very end.

Being mentally tough is just as important since they have to quickly switch between events that require different skills, like going from sprinting to throwing.

Because it requires mastering so many different skills, success in the decathlon is seen as the peak of athletic achievement.

Decathletes are often considered the most well-rounded athletes because they can handle such a broad range of events, showing physical ability, mental strength, and smart preparation.

No One Sport Reigns Supreme

In the end, no single sport can claim the undisputed title of the world’s toughest. Each discipline pushes athletes to their limits; whether it’s rugby’s bone-crunching collisions, boxing’s relentless psychological battles, or the extreme endurance of an Ironman triathlon.

Some sports reward raw power, others rely on speed, agility, or unshakable mental toughness under pressure. What defines the “hardest sport” depends on which physical and psychological demands take center stage.

However, one truth stands firm: every sport on this list is brutal, exhausting, and uncompromising in its pursuit of human performance.