Joe Rogan Advises Conor McGregor To Offer Private Apology To Khabib Nurmagomedov For Forgiveness

Longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently weighed in on the long-running feud between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, arguing that the only way McGregor could genuinely mend fences is through a sincere, private apology. Rogan said that a public, performative apology won’t cut it — Khabib would need to be convinced that McGregor really means it.

On his podcast, Rogan suggested that McGregor should reach out directly and meet with Khabib “in private,” without media fanfare.

“It would have to be in private, and you would have to really mean it,” he explained. He emphasized that Khabib does not treat trash talk lightly, and any reconciliation attempt must feel genuine.

Rogan’s comments come amid ongoing talk about redemption and what it takes to repair one of the most notorious rivalries in MMA history. While McGregor has made various public statements over the years, Rogan believes only a heartfelt, private confrontation can end the conflict — especially given how seriously Khabib takes personal respect and honor.

The feud traces back to UFC 229, when McGregor’s pre-fight trash talk provoked Khabib and his team, eventually culminating in a chaotic post-fight brawl. Rogan’s view is that unless McGregor shows humility and sincerity away from the spotlight, it’s unlikely Khabib will let bygones be bygones.

Whether McGregor will take Rogan’s advice remains to be seen. But if he does, it could be a meaningful step toward closure — not just for the fighters themselves, but for fans who have watched their rivalry define an era.