Over the years trash-talking and mind games have played an active role in the realm of combat sports. Even in the UFC, there have been several great trash-talkers like Chael Sonnen and Colby Covington. However, none have come close to the former UFC double division champion Conor McGregor who is widely regarded as a master of trash-talking and promoting his fights. Yet one UFC star begs to differ, as he hailed the Irishman’s fierce rival Khabib Nurmagomedov as ‘Best Trash Talker’ in his recent tweet, due to Dagestani’s mockery of Tony ‘El Cucuy’ Ferguson.
Although ‘The Notorious’ has often used his trash talk and mind games, it is met with polarizing opinions. On the other hand, ‘The Eagle’ comes across as a witty and entertaining trash-talker, partly because of his distinctive accent and the language barrier. That’s why, the fans are always invested in listening to the Dagestani and he often surprises many of his fans with some clever comebacks. This was on show against ‘El Cucuy’ at UFC 223 pre-fight press conference.
UFC star hails Khabib Nurmagomedov as ‘Best Trash Talker’ over Conor McGregor
The former UFC lightweight champion was scheduled to fight Ferguson back in April 2018 at UFC 223. Before their fight, the lightweight duo sat down for the pre-fight conference and gave birth to some hilarious back and forth.
UFC star Belal Muhammad who has previously sparred with Nurmagomedov, remains an admirer of the Dagestani. He took notice of the press conference and shared a small clip where both American and Russian-based fighters were engaged in a verbal spat. He labeled ‘The Eagle’ as the ‘best trash talker’. Muhammad wrote:
“Khabib was the best trash talker“
😂😂😂😂 Khabib was the best trash talker pic.twitter.com/255HElV3Sn
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 8, 2023
Whilst, Dagestani’s trash talk has given fans many lighthearted and comical moments, he might not be regarded as the best trash talk by a subset of the community. ‘The Notorious‘ is often hailed as the best trash talker in the sport as he is one of the best at provoking his opponents.
The Irishman used a similar tactic against Khabib Nurmagomedov before their infamous fight at UFC 229. Despite this, ‘The Eagle’ emerged as the victor whilst giving a fitting response to McGregor’s trash talk inside the octagon.
Nurmagomedov’s reply to McGregor’s trash talk
The UFC 229 is widely regarded by many as one of the darkest events in the promotion’s history. Both McGregor and Nurmagomedov had a lot of bad blood which was evident in some incidents leading up to the fight.
‘The Notorious’ roped in Nurmagomedov’s family, culture, and religion in his trash talk before the fight. However, it was the Dagestani who came all guns blazing with his dominant performance inside the octagon. Khabib Nurmagomedov rag-dolled Conor McGregor before mounting and beating him up badly. While doing so he asked McGregor to talk:
“Let’s talk now“
Despite coming from the rugged mountains of Dagestan, ‘The Eagle’ quickly adapted to the Western culture and performed dominantly against any foe he ever faced.
Not only did he humiliate his opponents inside the octagon but he also gave a fitting reply during a verbal spat. Therefore, ‘The Eagle’ stands out as one of the most ruthless responders to trash-talk in UFC history.
