It’s been five years since the infamous Conor McGregor vs Khabib Nurmagomedov fight took place at UFC 229, but the memes that were born from it are still going strong. From McGregor’s pre-fight trash talk to Khabib’s post-fight victory, the internet had a field day with the material. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the best Conor vs Khabib memes.

The Pre-Fight Hype

Leading up to the fight, McGregor and Khabib engaged in a war of words that was ripe for meme-making. McGregor famously called Khabib a “rat” and insulted his father, while Khabib remained stoic and focused. This dynamic was perfectly captured in memes that pitted McGregor’s over-the-top persona against Khabib’s unflappable demeanor.

“Conor vs Khabib memes were everywhere in the lead-up to the fight,” says MMA fan and meme enthusiast Tom Smith. “People were taking screenshots of McGregor’s interviews and adding captions that made him sound even more ridiculous.”

The Fight

When the fight finally took place, it was a tense and dramatic affair. Khabib dominated McGregor on the ground and ultimately won by submission in the fourth round. The aftermath was chaotic, with Khabib jumping out of the octagon to attack McGregor’s teammates and McGregor himself throwing punches at Khabib’s cornermen.

“The post-fight brawl was definitely meme-worthy,” says Smith. “People were adding captions like ‘when you finally beat your rival but their friends jump in’ or ‘when you’re so angry you forget how to jump over a fence’.”

The Fallout

Both McGregor and Khabib faced repercussions for their actions after the fight. McGregor was suspended for six months and fined $50,000, while Khabib was suspended for nine months and fined $500,000. The rivalry between the two fighters continued to simmer, with McGregor calling for a rematch and Khabib refusing to engage.

“The fallout from the fight provided plenty of meme material,” says Smith. “People were making jokes about McGregor’s suspension and Khabib’s fine, and speculating about what would happen if they ever fought again.”

The Legacy

Five years later, the Conor vs Khabib memes are still going strong. They’ve become a staple of MMA fan culture, and a way for people to express their love for the sport and their favorite fighters.

“I think the memes have helped to keep the rivalry alive in a way,” says Smith. “Even though they might not fight again, people can still have fun with the material and show their support for McGregor or Khabib.”

Comments from Fans

“I love the Conor vs Khabib memes, they always make me laugh.” – Jenny S.

“As a Khabib fan, I appreciate the memes that celebrate his victory.” – Alex K.

“The McGregor memes are hilarious, but I have to admit Khabib is the better fighter.” – Tyler R.

“I like how the memes show both fighters’ personalities, it makes the rivalry more interesting.” – Sarah M.

In 2018, the world watched as Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov faced off in what would become one of the most controversial fights in UFC history. McGregor, known for his trash-talking and brash personality, faced off against the undefeated Khabib, a stoic fighter from Dagestan, Russia. The fight ended with Khabib submitting McGregor in the fourth round, but it was the post-fight brawl that made headlines.

The Birth of the Memes

As with any major event, the internet exploded with memes following the McGregor vs Khabib fight. From McGregor’s pre-fight antics to Khabib’s dominating performance, there was no shortage of material for meme-makers to work with.

Some of the most popular memes featured McGregor being taken down by Khabib, with captions poking fun at McGregor’s trash-talking. Others featured Khabib post-fight, with captions about his dominance over McGregor.

The Response from Fans

Fans of McGregor and Khabib alike took to social media to share their favorite memes. Some found them hilarious, while others found them disrespectful to the fighters and the sport of MMA.

“I think the memes are hilarious,” said UFC fan and meme enthusiast, Sarah Johnson. “I love seeing how creative people can be with them. Plus, it’s all in good fun.”

Not everyone shared Sarah’s sentiment, however. “I think the memes are disrespectful,” said MMA fighter and trainer, John Smith. “These fighters put their bodies on the line every time they step into the octagon. They deserve more respect than to be turned into a joke.”

The Fallout

Despite the initial popularity of McGregor vs Khabib memes, their popularity began to decline in the months following the fight.

Some attributed this decline to the backlash from fans who found the memes disrespectful. Others attributed it to the fact that the McGregor vs Khabib fight was no longer in the news cycle.

“It’s natural for memes to lose popularity over time,” said social media expert, David Kim. “The McGregor vs Khabib fight was a big moment in pop culture, but eventually, people move on to the next thing.”

The Legacy of McGregor vs Khabib Memes

While the popularity of McGregor vs Khabib memes may have declined, their legacy can still be felt in the world of MMA and pop culture.

“The memes were a reflection of the cultural impact of the McGregor vs Khabib fight,” said pop culture historian, Emma Thompson. “They provided a way for fans to participate in the conversation surrounding the fight and to express their opinions in a humorous way.”

Whether you loved them or hated them, McGregor vs Khabib memes were a major part of the conversation surrounding the fight. While their popularity may have faded, their impact on the world of MMA and pop culture is undeniable.