In case you missed it, at UFC 229, after submitting Conor McGregor in the fourth round of their lightweight title fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped the fence and attacked members of McGregor’s entourage, nearly starting a riot in the process. It was a huge black eye for the UFC, one that could have serious ramifications for Nurmagomedov from both the Nevada Athletic Commission as well as his father. Afterwards, at the post-fight press conference, Nurmagomedov apologized for his actions but, even knowing the seriousness of the situation, it sounds like “The Eagle” isn’t actually all that sorry for what happened.

Speaking to a stadium full of fans in Dagestan’s Anzhi Arena upon his homecoming, Nurmagomedov was far from apologizing for his actions, doubling down on what occurred and continuing his beef with McGregor.

“I prayed to God for one thing, to be left alone in the cage with this clown,” Nurmagomedov said, courtesy of RT. “I asked him this every day. I prayed that we would have no injuries, that we would make weight, and regain our strength, and finally be locked in that cage. Because a lot was said outside that cage, and I said that once that octagon door is shut, I am not responsible for my actions.”

Free from the expectation of contrition, and speaking to a crowd of his countrymen, it became clear that Nurmagomedov was not ready to forgive McGregor for the slights against his people and that he feels that jumping out of the cage to start a brawl was appropriate.

“The first thing I wanted to show him, is the difference between our people, and his people,” said Nurmagomedov. “We know our history, our ancestors, and what our people have been through. Nothing can break us.

“And with what happened afterwards, some people say I did the wrong thing, others that I did the right thing. You can’t confine an eagle to a cage. And I showed them that.”

The fans present loved the response from Nurmagomedovbu the NAC may not feel the same. Nurmagomedov is currently facing a possible lengthy suspension and fine for his actions though, at least Nurmagomedov can now feel confident that the UFC won’t be stripping him of his lightweight title anytime soon.

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MUST-READ STORIES

Hot balls. Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis set for UFC 230 in New York.

Out. Dustin Poirier out of UFC 230 fight against Nate Diaz.

Back on! Valentina Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk back on for UFC 231.

Champion. Dana White: Khabib Nurmagomedov will ‘absolutely’ not be stripped of title.

Favorite. Khabib Nurmagomedov opens as heavy betting favorite in potential Conor McGregor rematch.

Rematch. Jose Aldo calls for rematch with Conor McGregor: ‘There’s nowhere to run’.

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VIDEO STEW

Bellator Countdowns.

Oh no, Chuck.

Khabib.

Woodley update.

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LISTEN UP

Eurobash. Discussing UFC 229 and how Conor’s performance affects the rest of MMA.

Fights Gone By. Breaking down Khabib’s domination of Conor.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

I’m not even joking, the UFC should absolutely use this as their promo. Just add in the “my balls were hot” and it’s golden.

Life moves pretty fast. One minute you’re taking a shot from someone, next minute you’re getting took from.

Khabib really feeling himself.

Stipe taking the news very well, I see.

This is cool.

Letting bygones be bygones.

Mike Perry being Mike Perry.

Shooting his shot.

LOL.

Not a bad idea.

LOL.

Something to keep an eye out for.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Daniel Cormier (21-1, 1 NC) vs. Derrick Lewis (21-5, 1 NC); UFC 230, Nov. 3.

Viviane Pereira (13-2) vs. Mizuki Inoue (12-5); Invicta 32, Nov. 16.

Alessio Sakara (20-12, 2 NC) vs. Kent Kauppinen (10-4); Bellator; Dec. 1.

Valentina Shevchenko (15-3) vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (15-2); UFC 231, Dec. 8.

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TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2006: Tito Ortiz fought Ken Shamrock for the final time, stopping Shamrock with punches in the first round in the main event of UFC Fight Night 6.5.

2009: Benson Henderson won a unanimous decision over Donald Cerrone at WEC 43 to claim the interim lightweight title.

2014: Joe Warren won a unanimous decision over Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 128, unifying the bantamweight titles.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The UFC is just throwing darts at a board in a constant scramble to figure things out and it doesn’t even matter. 229 is gonna do 2.5M PPV buys and they’re just laughing their way to the bank.

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

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EXIT POLL

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