Awkward photo adds massive twist to Khabib-McGregor drama

Does this paint Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s hatred for each other in a new light?

A photo from 2014 has re-surfaced, showing how the McGregor-Khabib rivalry could have been very different.

Back then, Khabib was unknown and McGregor had just catapulted himself into superstardom by beating Dustin Poirier at UFC 178.

Khabib, still trying to make a name for himself in MMA, was clearly a fan of the Irishman back then and asked him for a photo backstage.

“With CONOR McGREGOR after his unbelievable victory at UFC 178,” Khabib wrote on Twitter at the time.

And McGregor responded: “I love it champ!! The Russian Bear!!”

But that’s not all.

Earlier that year, McGregor and Khabib exchanged more pleasantries on social media when the Irishman was selling some t-shirts.

“Hey Conor, I’m in Vegas when you come let me know, I want you gave me this shirt,” Khabib tweeted.

And Conor replied: “Let’s do it brother!! I fly out to Vegas tomorrow!! Hit me up and we can train.”

How times have changed.

Khabib and McGregor are far from friends

As many experts have pointed out, the hatred between McGregor and Khabib is very real, and not just a publicity stunt to promote their fight.

Khabib was the calm, glowering foil to McGregor’s antics for six months while the loquacious Irishman built a frenzy of hype around their lightweight title fight.

And when Nurmagomedov forced the biggest star in mixed martial arts to tap out on Sunday, he had fashioned the perfect response to McGregor’s verbal insults and physical attacks.

But when Nurmagomedov promptly hurdled over the cage and fought with McGregor’s taunting cornermen while his own teammates ambushed McGregor in the octagon, the Russian champion and his friends might have seriously damaged careers that were just about to take off.

“These guys are in big trouble,” UFC President Dana White said. “It is going to be ugly.”

Executive director Bob Bennett said the Nevada Athletic Commission intends to file a complaint following its investigation into the actions of Nurmagomedov and his team for setting off a post-fight melee immediately after McGregor submitted to Nurmagomedov’s choke in the fourth round.

Nurmagomedov’s $2-million ($A2.8 million) purse has been withheld, and he could face a hefty fine along with a lengthy suspension.

White said three members of Nurmagomedov’s team were detained by police, but released after McGregor refused to press charges.

White acknowledged Nurmagomedov’s lightweight title could be stripped if his actions result in a significant suspension.

“There’s going to be fines,” White said. “There’s going to be God knows what. Can these guys get visas to get back in the country?”

McGregor’s $3-million ($4.2-million) was not withheld after commission officials examined video footage and determined his side had done nothing wrong in the melee.

with AAP