“Why are people talking about the moment I jumped over the cage?”
Following his dominant performance over Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov has faced the press for the first time since the unsavoury scenes that unfolded after the fight ended.
Conor McGregor has refused to press charges against the three members of Nurmagomedov’s team that attacked him in the octagon after the fight ended.
Dana White has confirmed that they’ve since been released.
Again, it should be noted that in terms of the fight itself, The Eagle was superb as he dominated proceedings but his win has been tainted.
What unfolded after the McGregor tapped out has been the main focus of the discussion with Dana White confirming that Nurmagomedov’s purse for the fight has been withheld.
The UFC supremo has also played down any talk of a rematch due to the fact that the aftermath of UFC 229 is still an issue for the authorities to deal with, especially with regards to travel visas.
After being asked why he jumped over the cage and made a beeline for Dillon Danis – McGregor’s teammate – here’s what Khabib had to say.
“First of all I want to say sorry to the Athletic Commission, Nevada, Vegas, I know that this is not my best side. I’m a human being and I don’t understand why people are talking about why I jumped on the cage. What about when he talks about my religion, he talks about my region, he talks about my country, he talks about my father. He came to Brooklyn and broke the bus and almost killed a couple of people. What about this shit? Why are people talking about the moment I jumped over the cage? I don’t understand. I have respect. My father taught me that you must always have respect. Everyone who knows me, they know who I am.”
Khabib also said that after the fight, Vladimir Putin called to congratulate him. He then refused to take any questions and left the press conference.
His very brief remarks can be heard near the end of this clip.
Clip via UFC – Ultimate Fighting Championship
