LAS VEGAS – Before he attempts to “smash” Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov dug in on his fans.

From the moment the UFC lightweight champion took the stage for open workouts Wednesday at Park Theatre, Nurmagomedov was showered with boos by McGregor supporters, many of them Irish.

After a short workout, Nurmagomedov wasn’t having any of it. He berated those yelling at him about the history of Ireland.

“I have question for Ireland. What about your language? What about your language?” said Nurmagomedov, who hails from Dagestan. “What about Irish language? What’s wrong with your language? You guys change? What about your language? Please, can somebody give me answer? What about Ireland language? You guys miss England right now? You guys change your language? Give me answer, someone, if you can. It’s very interesting.”

The dig at Ireland once being under English rule was a continuation of trash talk that occurred at the first UFC 229 press conference two weeks ago, when McGregor boasted of being from a bloodline of warriors whose name was had been outlawed by King James.

Nurmagomedov wasn’t solely hostile, though. He spoke about defending his 155-pound title with a performance that will turn fans to his side.

“In three days, you’re gonna like me,” Nurmagomedov said, still showered with boos. “You’re gonna like me in three days.”

UFC 229 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

For more on UFC 229, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.