Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov convincingly defeated Conor McGregor by submission in the fourth round tonight at UFC 229, but then undid all his hard work by brawling with one of his rival’s teammates after the fight.
Following his victory Nurmagomedov was clearly fired up, continuing to shout angrily at McGregor, but his attention soon turned to members of the Irishman’s camp outside the Octagon.
Nurmagomedov became embroiled in a war of words with McGregor’s BJJ coach Dillon Danis, which escalated when the defending champion vaulted the cage and rushed at the Bellator fighter, resulting in chaotic scenes as they exchanged punches and others around them joined in the melee.
Things then turned even more dramatic as members of Nurmagomedov’s team jumped into the Octagon and proceeded to punch McGregor, who was still recovering from his submission loss and didn’t attempt to retaliate.
With tempers at boiling point security became the UFC’s number one issue and McGregor was escorted from the arena. By this stage Nurmagomedov had also returned to the Octagon and was demanding that he be given his lightweight title, but UFC President Dana White informed him he would not be handed the belt for fear that it could start a riot in the arena.
Nurmagomedov was also then escorted from the arena as angry fans threw drinks and other objects at him from the stands.
This should have been a perfect night for Nurmagomedov, but instead it now remains to be seen what punishments he may now face as a result of his actions, with there being the potential for him to have his lightweight title stripped, a possible suspension from the sport as well as facing criminal charges and potential future Visa issues.
Three of Nurmagomedov’s teammates were reportedly arrested after the event, likely in connection with the attack on McGregor in the Octagon.
