Khabib v McGregor tips: Will Khabib retain his title?

Conor McGregor makes his return to the Octagon on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

The former champ takes on Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

There’s been a lot of talk in the lead up with McGregor making his first appearance in a UFC ring in over two years.

Khabib will be hoping to continue his 26 fight winning streak, so we take a look at who may come out on top…

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib has a spotless record in the Octagon, winning eight of his 26 wins by KO.

Fellow MMA star Eddie Alvarez has said if the fight goes to the ground then the Russian fighter could come into his own.

This was seen by McGregor’s most recent loss against Nate Diaz in 2016. Diaz brought the fight to the floor and won with a rear-naked choke.

Nurmagomedov has won eight of his fights by submission and is 9/4 to make it nine and take the win.

In his first 16 fights his opponents didn’t make past the second round. However, his last three fights have gone to round three or further.

The 30-year-old had to go to round five to win the lightweight belt on decision against Al Iaquinta.

Khabib to win on decision is 4/1.

Conor McGregor

The Notorious One is back and hunting down what he will feel is ‘his’ lightweight title.

Alvarez said if McGregor is to win then it could be won on a KO.

In his win over Iaquinta the Eagle arguably kept his head too high. Iaquinta never managed more than 16 strikes in a single round.

McGregor is quick witted and has won six of his last eight fights KO or TKO. He is 3/2 to knock his opponent out on Saturday.

The Irishman only lost his title due to inactivity, his appearance in the boxing ring against Floyd Mayweather was courageous but for many money was the sole motive.

McGregor to win outright is 29/10. Khabib is 10/17 with the draw at 80/1.

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All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication