After a near two-year absence away from the Octagon, McGregor was hoping to do something he had never achieved before during his professional career – beat an undefeated champion.
But the showdown ended in explosive manner as Khabib finished off McGregor in the fourth round before jumping into the crowd and attacking a fan.
UFC president Dana White refused to hand Khabib his belt due to safety and Khabib was escorted out of the stadium.
And former UFC lightweight champion Owen Roddy thought McGregor could win the contest as early as the first round if he landed a left hand.
“Conor lands on the chin and puts him to sleep,” he said.
“I always give his opponent the benefit of the doubt because some people are tough and can take more shots than others, but it’s only a matter of time.
“If Conor lands in the first, really, it could be done in the first.
Khabib Nurmagomedov forces Conor McGregor to tap out in their fight at UFC 229 (Image: GETTY)
Conor McGregor has three defeats to his name (Image: GETTY)
Conor McGregor will take home £2.3million for his comeback to the Octagon (Image: GETTY)
“Once he lands on the chin, you’ll all see it in Khabib’s face.
“Once he lands, it will be lights out either immediately or shortly after.”
UFC 229 results in full:
Khabib def Conor McGregor, Round 4
Tony Ferguson def Anthony Pettis via TKO (corner stoppage), Round 2, 5:00
Dominick Reyes def Ovince Saint Preux via unanimous decision
Derrick Lewis def Alexander Volkov via KO (punches), Round 3, 4:39
Michelle Waterson def Felice Herrig via unanimous decision
Jussier Formiga def via unanimous decision
Vicente Luque def Jalin Taylor via KO, (punches) Round 1, 3:52
Aspen Ladd def Tonya Evinger via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:20
Scott Holtzman def Alan Patrick via KO (elbows) – Round 3, 3:42
Yana Kunitskaya def Lina Lansberg via unanimous decision
Nik Lentz def Gray Maynard via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:19
Tony Martin def Ryan LaFlare via KO (head kick and punches) – Round 3, 1:05