Khabib Nurmagomedov’s big win in the main event of UFC 229 over superstar Conor McGregor was overshadowed by the post-fight melee between both fighter’s teams which spilled out into the crowd. Nurmagomedov jumped out of the cage and made a run towards McGregor teammate Dillon Danis, while two Nurmagomedov teammates jumped into the cage for an altercation with the Irishman himself.
Nurmagomedov apologized for his actions at the post-fight press conference while explaining they were because McGregor crossed the line with comments about his religion, ethnicity, and family.
Now that the dust from the brawl has settled, Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has shared his thoughts on the matter.
You can’t bite a dog and not expect to be bitten,” Abdelaziz said, via USA Today. “You can’t play with fire and not expect to be burned. This man, Conor McGregor, is not a good guy. I got zero respect for Conor McGregor. His team, his whole entourage, zero.
“These guys, they demand respect, but you earn respect. How are you going to earn respect when you talk crazy about people’s family, religion, countries?”
Abdelaziz, who was the target of a verbal jab from McGregor where he was called a “terrorist” at the pre-fight press conference, did admit, however, that Nurmagomedov should have never left the cage. That action will not only land Nurmagomedov some serious punishment from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but it could cost him his UFC lightweight title and lead to visa issues in the future.
UFC 229 took place Saturday, Oct. 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
