Khabib apologizes to NSAC, but defends post-fight actions

Khabib Nurmagomedov briefly spoke to the media at the UFC 229 press conference about the riot that ensued right after his fight with Conor McGregor.

Throughout his UFC career, Khabib Nurmagomedov has established an image of himself as a stoic fighter, calm under any kind of pressure. But on Saturday night, “The Eagle” showed another side of his personality - one that led to unpleasant repercussions.

During his short appearance at the UFC 229 post-fight press conference, Khabib went on to apologize to the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the post-fight melee that involved him, some of his teammates, and Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis. At the same time, he also defended his actions, questioning why they were constantly being pointed out.

“First of all, I want to say sorry to Athletic Commission, sorry to Vegas,” he said. “I know this is not my best side. I’m human being.”

“I don’t understand how people can talk about I jump on the cage. What about he talk about my religion? He talk about my religion, he talk about my country, he talk about my father. He come to Brooklyn and he broke bus. He almost killed a couple of people. What about this sh-t?”

“Why people talk about I jump over the cage? I don’t understand. My father teach me ‘hey, you have to be always respectful.’ My whole team, where I’m training in California (for) seven years, everybody knows who I am. All my friends, everybody who knows me, they know who I am.”

The bad blood between Khabib and McGregor has been at an all-time high, as seen through these post-fight incidents. During the presser, the Dagestani continued to throw shade at the Irishman and his entire team.

“I told you guys, not only him (McGregor), his whole team and him, they tap machines,” Khabib said. “I told you guys. When you put him wrong way, he gonna tap. What happened today? They call him two-time world champion (in) two weight classes, but today, he tap. That’s why belt is here, undisputed, undefeated lightweight champion.”

Per UFC president Dana White, the three members of Khabib’s team that were directly involved in the post-fight brawl were taken into custody, but were subsequently released after McGregor decided not to press charges. He also confirmed that Khabib’s cheque has been withheld by the Commission.

Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor via submission in the fourth round of the their UFC 229 headlining bout.

Credit to BloodyElbow