Conor McGregor gifts Khabib Nurmagomedov an invite for steak dinner : What if UFC stars played Secret Santa?

What if UFC rivals played Secret Santa? [Images via: @thenotoriousmma on Instagram]
What if UFC rivals played Secret Santa? [Images via: @thenotoriousmma on Instagram]

The UFC has witnessed some fierce rivalries in the past couple of years, and we put on our thinking caps to guess what gifts our beloved stars will gift their rivals.

Christmas is the season to exchange gifts and spread cheer. It is also time to get past grudges, bury hatchets, and toast marshmallows to mark a new chapter in one's relationship. Let's take a look at some of the possible gifts that UFC stars would gift their rivals.


#1. Conor McGregor invites UFC rival Khabib Nurmagomedov for steak dinner

During the UFC 229 pre-fight press conference, Conor McGregor seized every chance to promote his then-recent business venture, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. 'The Notorious' spewed insults and accusations at his arch-rival Khabib Nurmagomedov during the pre-fight press conference described by Dana White as "the darkest ever."

Nurmagomedov, a devout Muslim, was clearly irked by McGregor's efforts to promote his alcohol brand. The Irishman went overboard when he offered Nurmagomedov a drink on stage, but the Dagestani promptly declined.

Conor McGregor's invitation to Nurmagomedov for a steak meal at the Irish star's posh pub, The Black Forge Inn, seems appropriate for restoring the peace between the two combatants.

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#2. Jorge Masvidal gifts Colby Covington a Rolex watch

Colby Covington defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272, but the rivalry did not settle inside the octagon. A few days after the fight, Covington was assaulted outside a restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida, by a man he described to authorities as his UFC rival Jorge Masvidal.

Masvidal was arrested shortly after the event and was charged with various offenses, including aggravated violence and criminal mischief. 'Chaos' also reported that his Rolex watch was damaged in the scuffle and claimed its value to be close to $90,000.

This appears to be the best gift choice for Jorge Masvidal, as what better way to mend fences than to give your ex-best friend a brand new Rolex?


3. Dana White offers Jake Paul a one-off deal to fight anyone in the UFC and listen to UFA's propositions

Jake Paul and Dana White have been at odds over fighter compensation and welfare. 'The Problem Child' appears to be making a sincere effort to organize a Unified Fighters Association (UFA) to tackle the issue.

Paul resorted to social media earlier this year to challenge McGregor and propose a one-off bargain to White. However, the UFC president quickly declined the offer.

Following his victory over Anderson Silva in October, Paul revealed that he would co-found a fighters' union with the Brazilian. Paul had earlier indicated prior to the fight that preparations were underway for the United Fighters Association, the first union to be formed since Georges St. Pierre's aborted attempt several years ago.

Over time, Dana White's views on a variety of commercial variables, most notably the participation of women in the organization, have evolved. The thought of Paul fighting in the UFC seems plausible to White, considering the changes the organization has seen over the past 29 years. A commitment to listen to UFA's suggestions in exchange for a one-time fight offer would be the ideal Christmas gift for Paul.


#4. Israel Adesanya gifts Sean Strickland a beginner's guide to anime

Israel Adesanya is a full-blown 'weeb', and his octagon performances and pre-fight rituals are rife with references to and esthetic cues from anime.

At UFC 276, middleweight challenger Sean Strickland made an impression in his first press conference. Despite being slated to face Alex Pereira, Strickland, who is notorious for making incendiary remarks on social media, began the afternoon by firing potshots at Adesanya at the pre-fight press conference.

To add gasoline to the fire, Strickland continued his tirade against Adesanya by mocking 'The Last Stylebender's well-documented love of anime. Strickland also casually used a homophobic slur in the course of his rant.

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Aside from being a globally popular form of entertainment, anime also offers a glimpse into the Japanese way of life by showcasing many facets of the nation's culture. It takes time to immerse oneself in the anime culture, and a beginner's guide to the animated realm would be an ideal gift for Strickland, whom Israel Adesanya refers to as the stepbrother he never wanted.


#5. Daniel Cormier gifts Jon Jones Kendrick Lamar's latest album for introspection

Jon Jones is one of the greatest MMA fighters to step foot inside the UFC octagon. 'Bones' won the light heavyweight title in 2011 at the age of 23, becoming the promotion's youngest-ever champion. It appeared that nothing could stop him and the world was his oyster. Since then, however, 'Bones' has had a rocky ride, marked by stunning triumphs but also problems outside of the octagon.

A sample of Jon Jones's blood taken before his grudge bout with Daniel Cormier in their rematch showed the presence of steroid residue. He has been arrested multiple times for incidents that occurred outside the cage, suspended and reprimanded by athletic commissions, and stripped of his titles by the UFC three times.

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Jones is all set to make his octagon return next year with a move to the heavyweight division. His former opponent, Daniel Cormier, has labeled Jones as one of the most gifted athletes of our generation and said that Jones must confront his inner demons to unlock his full potential.

It's reasonable to assume that Cormier will give Jones hip-hop sensation Kendrick Lamar's latest album, Morale & The Big Steppers. The album's introspective lyrics and insightful reflection shed light on how we can come to terms with the difficulties afflicting our well-being.

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