Morning Report: Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov attend World Cup Final in Moscow
Yesterday, the biggest sporting event in the world concluded when France took on Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Final in Moscow, Russia. Somewhere north of 1 billion people worldwide tuned in to watch the game and some 80,000 fans packed Luzhniki Stadium to watch who would earn global bragging rights over the next four years. And among those 80,000 fans were two of the premier fighters in MMA today, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and former champion Conor McGregor.
On their respective social media accounts, Nurmagomedov and McGregor posted pictures of themselves at the game. Nurmagomedov also posted his support of France and French midfielder Paul Pogba, which was clearly helpful as France ended up winning 4-2, with Pogba scoring the winning goal.
Tickets to the game were pricey, reaching as his as $105,000 on resale for Category 1 seats (the highest tier). For what it’s worth, it appears that Nurmagomedov’s seats (apparent on his Instagram story) were Category 2 seats while McGregor’s were Category 1.
Aside from having the better seats though, McGregor also took the opportunity to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin who was in attendance.
McGregor’s own media site, The Mac Life, also posted a video of him meeting with Putin, telling the world leader that he had a gift for him but security wouldn’t allow him to bring it to the venue.
In the video, McGregor also happily pronounces “Yes, let’s do it!” which is sure to fuel speculation as “Notorious” has previously mentioned wanting to fight Nurmagomedov in Russia.
Also, if you were wondering, McGregor’s friend and training partner, Russian national Artem Lobov was in attendance as well.
The last time McGregor, Nurmagomedov, and Lobov were in the same place, things did not end so well for McGregor and Lobov. Fortunately, there were no truck dollies around this time.
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VIDEO STEW
Free fight.
Bellator 202 highlights.
A great interview with DC about his career.
Stoked.
Moving all the way up.
TTTHS.
LISTEN UP
6th Round. Immediate post-fight reaction to UFC Boise.
Middle Easy Fist Fight. Discussing the returns of Brock Lesnar and Chuck Liddell.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Pretty gangster.
Call out.
Yoel clapping back.
Hey @dc_mma what’s my record against AKA? If you no fight 205 stay heavy and god bless you. I know you know #iluhju #seeyousoonboi and no forget the #towel 206.2 https://t.co/Uw8GkmrlNA
— Peoples Champ (@YoelRomeroMMA) July 13, 2018
Staying relevant.
.@nickdiaz209 Holy shit I didn’t know you could tweet from prison? Watch your mouth when youre speaking about the #NattyGOAT. Youre only beating women these days, you ain’t beating anybody relevant you fucking loser. Shut your fucking mouth before I shut it for you... homie! https://t.co/Dc5LJ07h9P
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) July 15, 2018
JBJ trying to stay busy.
I’d be so down @FloGrappling who’s trying to get tapped out? https://t.co/vJB4OLz1NU
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 14, 2018
Picking fights.
Yo @ALIAQUINTA I’m down 2 Fight @ufc said you are out indefinitely @NateDiaz209 what’s up don’t be scared homie #teampettis #fuckthediazbrothers @danawhite
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 16, 2018
Tag somebody who actually wants to fight. I'm right here! Let's go!!! #notakedownsipromise
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) July 16, 2018
The best idea.
Mike perry vs sage northcut has to happen
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) July 15, 2018
DC always supporting winners.
Allez les bleus!! Been a fan of France for years. Can’t believe they did it again. Shades of 1998! So happy. Going to celebrate with some croissant and wine. Yes!!! We did it!!! pic.twitter.com/yk45HkD5J1
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 15, 2018
This is new.
can you guys stop with these jokes it’s embarrassing https://t.co/g1aR4Zjmxs
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) July 8, 2018
Yes Stop, Dont Include Me W/ This Peon Who Thinks He Can Fight. I’d Sleep This Dweeb.
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) July 16, 2018
you can’t even beat a wire, relax el cockcuey https://t.co/spQQnfaf7o
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) July 16, 2018
Who doesn’t love Cheetohs?
.@KelvinGastelum reveals his one true love.
— Fighters Only (@FightersOnly) July 15, 2018
Credit: The one and only @MMARoasted
Watch the 10th World MMA Awards presented by @FightersOnly TONIGHT at 9pm on the @FOXSports Network. Check your local listings. pic.twitter.com/8xMeMKwSLV
Good guy.
Dustin Poirier has been named an American Cancer Society 2018 Spirit of Hope Honoree & will be honored at the American Cancer Society Black & White Gala August 25th!!
— The Good Fight Foundation (@TheGoodFightFDN) July 13, 2018
Congratulations @DustinPoirier pic.twitter.com/HFC0PEWx2q
Good point.
I kinda wanna fight my next fight on the contender series so they promote me more. Seems like a smart business move
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) July 15, 2018
Ouch.
with this beautiful kick Takumi Tamaru changed Yosuke Saruta into alien to win the fight (Shooto) pic.twitter.com/WAnBrByl9E
— Jolassanda (@Jolassanda) July 15, 2018
Submission of the year.
Beautiful reverse triangle/keylock by Ariel Sexton (@tarzancr) #ONEPursuitofPower pic.twitter.com/pHUmkWaBJ1
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 13, 2018
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Joanne Calderwood (11-3) vs. Kalindra Faria (18-7-1); UFC Lincoln, Aug. 25.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
1999: Pat Miletich defended his welterweight title against Andre Pederneiras with a second round TKO at UFC 21.
2014: Donald Cerrone knocked out Jim Miller with a head kick at UFC Fight Night 45.
2016: Michael Page went viral for breaking Evangelista Santos’ skull and then throwing a pokeball at him.
2017: Santiago Ponzinibbio knocked out Gunnar Nelson at UFC Fight Night 113.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I didn’t want to post this with the lead because I’m not 100% on it but I believe this is Khabib taking a shot at Conor’s visit with Putin and suggesting that Conor paid to be there.
Also, with the FIFA World Cup officially over, take a look back at the MMA World Cup and Brazil’s run of dominance.
Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.
EXIT POLL
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