Alexander Volkanovski Explains Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Never Fell Into Conor McGregor’s Traps
Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has shared his thoughts on one of the biggest fights in MMA history, praising Khabib Nurmagomedov for remaining composed against Conor McGregor throughout their heated rivalry.
The build-up to UFC 229 was filled with trash talk, personal insults, and psychological warfare from McGregor, but Volkanovski believes Khabib’s mental discipline prevented the Irish superstar from drawing him into mistakes inside the Octagon.
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Volkanovski credits Khabib’s composure against McGregor
Speaking about the legendary clash, Volkanovski explained that very few fighters are capable of resisting McGregor’s mind games. According to the Australian, Khabib was the perfect opponent because he refused to abandon his game plan despite McGregor’s attempts to lure him into a striking battle.
“You’ve got to have the right fighter to be able to not fall into the traps that Conor puts you in. Khabib did a great job. Conor baited him to the cage, thinking that he was gonna panic, punch, shoot, and all that, but Khabib wasn’t having any of that.”
Volkanovski believes McGregor’s strategy relied on forcing Khabib into emotional decisions that could create openings for his dangerous left hand. Instead, the undefeated Dagestani stayed patient, closed the distance on his own terms, and repeatedly imposed his elite wrestling.
That disciplined approach ultimately led to one of the most dominant victories of Khabib’s career. After controlling much of the contest and even dropping McGregor with an overhand right in the second round, Khabib secured a fourth-round neck crank submission to successfully defend the UFC lightweight title.
The rivalry remains one of the most iconic in UFC history, but Volkanovski’s comments highlight that the fight was won as much through mental composure as technical skill. In his view, Khabib’s refusal to take McGregor’s bait was a key factor behind one of the sport’s most memorable championship performances.
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