Conor McGregor has named an illegal knee he used on Khabib Nurmagomedov during his 2018 defeat as the “the Springbok”.
The Irish star is currently out of action after breaking his leg in a second consecutive defeat by Dustin Poirier. McGregor has lost three of his last four fights, with his most high-profile loss coming against bitter rival Nurmagomedov who submitted him in the fourth round of their clash.
McGregor gave a good account of himself during the showdown, but was unable to break down the resolve of the Russian who later retired as an undefeated champion. During the fight, McGregor used an illegal knee which the referee reprimanded him for during the contest after complaints from his opponent.
In a trademark Twitter crusade, McGregor has now named the illegal move, writing: "I call this knee strike 'the Springbok' Remember Reebok? Yeah well this is Springbok. You ever see a springbok jump? Well just have a look at that knee, springbok into his eye socket haha. I’m the greatest of all-time at unseen shots. That’s without question. God bless the dead."
He later added a photo of a springbok leaping from the ground with the caption: "This is a springbok, I’m just after making them. Springboks are made now yeah." It is not permitted to use the knee to the eye socket, particularly given the pair were grappling during the exchange with McGregor on his back.
He did not face punishment during the fight despite his rival's protests, but he made certain to boast of the move given the pair's rivalry descended into a mass brawl immediately after the final bell. McGregor has previously campaigned for the shot to be made legal within MMA and appealed to his large army of followers to help push the UFC.
What did you make of Conor McGregor's illegal shot on Khabib Nurmagomedov? Let us know in the comments section below
He tweeted two years ago: “The knee into the eye socket was illegal yes, from this position. A beauty tho [sic]. Never before seen shot. Like many of my shots. I use the mount defence leg as a spring board, loading the knee below it. Release and straight to the eye socket. Smashed it in! Joe Rogan. Hey Dana."
McGregor later added a plea to referee John McCarthy, adding: “This strike should not be illegal. Should actually be enshrined! Look at him cower his head after it and keep it tucked. Kept honest! Guy is latched onto my arm not letting go. Everything bar biting and gouging should be permitted here.
"Are we fighting or what are we doing here? [Referee] John McCarthy what do you think Big John? Should this strike be legalised? Your pal, Mr. tasty shots.” The moves remain illegal in the sport, and if used repetitively would likely still incur disqualification from any clash.
