The grappling isn't exciting, agreed, although it is technical, plus can end a fight in seconds.
They were saying Khabib just bear hugs as a way to compress the opponents chest etc, sapping their energy. Although he did win with a choke hold.
The Floyd Mayweather fight was the promotion McGregor needed, as well as securing his life financially.
In a boxing contest, against a world champion boxer, the odds were against him.
If I was offered a pay cheque for 70 odd million, I would happily stand in the ring for a few rounds too - providing a hospital bed was guaranteed afterwards.