5 Takeaways From UFC On FOX 30
3. Not Just Khabib Time But Khabib Country
Canada loves Khabib.
UFC Calgary (as UFC on FOX 30 was otherwise known) saw Khabib Nurmagomedov in town supporting teammate Islam Makhachev, who submitted Canada's Kajan Johnson at the event. However, his presence allowed the UFC to put the lightweight champion front and center on Friday, ahead of the ceremonial weigh-ins. There, Khabib attended a Q&A where he answered fan's questions, no matter how insightful (or not), silly, or otherwise.
The big takeaway from this appearance is that Canada is somewhat surprisingly in favor of the Russian champion, who is on a collision course with Irish Superstar Conor McGregor. That course was set after McGregor's attack on a bus on which Nurmagomedov was present three months ago in Brooklyn at UFC 223. McGregor, who threw a dolly at the vehicle, injuring two fighters (but not Khabib), was facing felony charges stemming from the incident. However, McGregor has agreed to a plea deal which will see him simply serve a few days of community service. Legal woes behind him, he is now free to pursue a fight with Khabib, expected to take place either in Las Vegas or New York.
Based on crowd reaction in Calgary, however, it seems McGregor has lost the support and adulation of the people. Khabib, meanwhile, saw his stock rise, outshining many of the fighters actually on the card. He also got to show a lighter side of himself at the event.