Khabib Nurmagomedov has admitted that Conor McGregor's popularity within the sport of UFC, and his draw with fans around the world, has played a large part in helping to boost his own profile and career. 

The undefeated Dagestani fighter faced off against McGregor in last month's record breaking UFC 229 showdown, with Khabib dominating Notorious for almost the entirety of the fight before winning via a fourth-round submission. 

After his victory, Nurmagomedov vaulted from the cage and into the crowd, appearing to attack McGregor's training partner and fellow UFC fighter Dillon Danis.

Two members of the Russian's entourage also leapt into the cage, striking the defeated McGregor both in the face as well as from behind. 

Whilst the fight broke numerous pay-per-view and spectator records, however, it is these post-fight events and the rivalry between the two fighters that has continue to dominate headlines. 

Talk has also begun to turn to what the future will hold for both athletes, with some calling for both to face lengthy lay-offs - and potentially even life time bans - whilst many more have called for an even larger rematch between the two. 

Now, however, in an interview with RT Sport, Khabib has admitted that his controversial showdown against the 'Notorious' has helped to propel his career, and also spoke of the Irishman's spectacular popularity within the sport. 

"You know, you should give credit to Conor," Khabib said.

"He is very popular. Was I as popular before the fight? I don't think so. But if you compare us as athletes, I proved that I am better.

"But as a star he is much brighter than me. I don't know how much now, but before the fight, definitely."

Both McGregor and Nurmagomedov are currently under review from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, with the latter only recently having received half of his purse for the fight - after the full amount was withheld following his post-fight antics. 

Whilst a lifetime ban remains a possibility for both fighters, the chances of that happening remain slim, with many pundits predicting a minimum of a 12-18 month ban for Khabib, and a potential six-month ban for McGregor.