At UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov continued to showcase just how effective his wrestling and top control game is, especially against a striker of the caliber of his opponent, Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov controlled the fight from start to finish, smothering his opponent before eventually securing a neck crank in the fourth round to retain his Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight belt.
UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier, who was sitting Octagon-side on the night, said his American Kickboxing Academy teammate executed his game plan against McGregor flawlessly while nullifying any attack made by the Irishman.