Conor McGregor reveals two key mistakes Khabib Nurmagomedov defeat round-by-round

Conor McGregor has offered his deepest insight yet in his defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 earlier this month, and pinpointed two crucial mistakes that he made only in his second match in the UFC.

The Irishman returned after nearly two years from the UFC to face lightweight champion Khabib, who had emerged as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport in McGregor's absence.

The build-up to the end at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena saw McGregor launch a verbal tirade against the Russian over his heritage, religion and family – something that ultimately leads to a post-fight brawl between their two camps that has dominated the news agenda ever since. Both will be appearing at a Nevada State Athletic Hearing Commission on Wednesday, where penalties are expected.

Amidst the fallout of the ugly scenes immediately after McGregor submitted in the fourth round, what actually happened in the fight has gone relatively under the radar – until now.

McGregor posted a lengthy message on his Instagram page that broke the fight down round, and pinpointed where he went wrong. In the message, McGregor acknowledges that the second round, in which he was knocked down to the canvas by Khabib, was the "worst round of my career", and also notes the key decision in the fourth round caused by his defeat.

But he also believes that "from a standpoint standpoint" he won the first and third rounds, which would have been more important to him.

Here's how McGregor broke down the fight:

Round 1

"I believe from a standpoint sport, round 1 was his. Top position against the fence. Zero position advancement or damage inflicted. Goal top position.

"From a fight standpoint the first round is mine. Actual shots landed and a willingness to engage. Straight left early. Knee to the head on the low shot. Elbows in any and all tie up scenarios. Opponent just holding the legs against the fence for almost the entire round. "

Round 2

"He is running away around the cage before being hurt by the race and the fight.

"It was a nice shot.

"After the shot I bounced back up to engage instantly, but again he dipped under to disengage. That is the sport and it was a smart move that led to a dominant round, so no issue. Well played.

"If I stay switched on and gives you a better view of your life. I gave his upright fighting no respect in preparation. No specific stand up spars whatsoever. Attacking grapplers / wrestlers only.

"That will not happen again.

"I also gave my attacking grappling no respect. To defense minded.

"Lessons: Listen to nobody but yourself on your skill set. You are the master of your own universe. I am the master of this. I must take my own advice. "

Round 3

"After the worst round of my fighting career, I come back and win this round. Again walking forward, walking down, and willing to engage. "

Round 4

"My recovery was not where it could have been here. That is my fault.

"Although winning the early exchanges in 4, he dips under again and I end up in a bad position with over 3 on the clock. I work to regain position and end up, with my back to the fence. Has stable position.

"Here, however, I made a critical error of abandoning my life at this crucial time, exposing the back.

McGregor has been advised by some areas of the UFC to withdraw from the sport, having made millions from his career in the squared-circle in his boxing defeat by Floyd Mayweather last year.

But the Dubliner penned a six-fight deal with the UFC ahead of his showdown with Khabib, and the end of his story will be seen in the Octagon again in the near future, regardless of whether it's a rematch Against Khabib or with the likes of Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson or Jose Aldo.

"What can I say?" He added. "It was a great fight and it was my pleasure. I will be back with my confidence high. Fully prepared.

"If it is not the rematch right away, no problem. I will face the next in line. It's all me always, anyway. See you soon my fighting fans I love you all. "

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