Conor McGregor’s career has taken unexpected turns since his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 in 2018. While the event became the biggest pay per view in UFC history, McGregor’s performances and public image have been on a steady decline. He has only won one fight since then, and his behavior outside the Octagon has sparked concern.
This is the angle everyone needs to see #UFC229
31s Khabib jumps over cage
37s Conor tries to jump over cage, but 2 security grab him
38s Khabib corner guy runs around cage
39s Khabib corner guy jumps cage (w/ wig)
41s Conor punches him on top of cage
42s Khabib guy punches back pic.twitter.com/mWRfZhcjcg— Tim (@TimDdnb) October 7, 2018
McGregor’s Controversial Actions Raise Questions
Chael Sonnen believes McGregor’s troubles may be linked to that loss.
“Did Khabib Nurmagomedov give Conor McGregor PTSD and ruin his life Is that what’s happening,” Sonnen speculated on YouTube.
McGregor has made headlines for reasons unrelated to fighting. From legal issues to heated social media posts, his actions have been widely criticized. “Envy and jealousy are very real things. Conor McGregor has lashed out in ways at Khabib,” Sonnen said. “The test is to measure whether the things you said after were hotter or were they cooler than the things you said before.”
McGregor’s history of aggressive incidents has been well documented. “Conor McGregor was very aggressive toward Khabib, placed in handcuffs and had to go before a magistrate. The bus incident,” Sonnen recalled.
His attack on a bus carrying Khabib in New York led to legal trouble, but Sonnen argues that McGregor’s recent behavior might be even more troubling.
Is McGregor’s Fighting Future in Doubt
Sonnen pointed out that McGregor’s aggressive actions in the past, including the infamous bus incident before UFC 223, may not be as alarming as his recent behavior.
“I would still argue, particularly verbally, that even the words Conor McGregor was throwing as he is assaulting and the dolly and the whole bus incident were not as provocative as the things that he is saying now,” Sonnen added.
McGregor’s unpredictable behavior has left many wondering about his future in the sport. He has posted and deleted several controversial messages on social media. “Conor McGregor deleted some of it, many times. Many times he has gone out on a coke or booze binge or whatever you call it at three in the morning and woken up at eight am and deleted the things he said. Racial epitaphs and things about family,” Sonnen said.
UFC CEO Dana White has also cast doubt on whether McGregor will return to the Octagon. Although he still has two fights left on his contract, there is no guarantee they will happen.
At 36 years old, McGregor is running out of time if he wants to make another title run. But with distractions piling up, Sonnen’s question remains Did Khabib’s victory leave a lasting mark on McGregor’s life.