Massive post-fight brawl mars Khabib win over McGregor at UFC 229
A huge post-fight brawl marred Khabib Nurmagomedov’s stunning win over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 as violence spilled from the cage and into the crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Nurmagomedov retained his lightweight title with a dominant win over McGregor, submitting the Irishman in the fourth round.
READ MORE: Khabib Nurmagomedov submits Conor McGregor at UFC 229
However there were ugly scenes immediately after referee Herb Dean called off the fight, with Khabib scaling the fence around the octagon and appearing to launch an attack on Dillon Danis, a member of McGregor’s team.
All hell breaks loose at #UFC229pic.twitter.com/F4G2r00jdl
— ZombieProphet (@GIFsZP) October 7, 2018
#Khabib with the win but all hell broke loose! #Khabib#McGregor#UFC229#UFC#MMA#ConorMcGregor GUERRA CAMPAL!!!! pic.twitter.com/FlQEy0AOTd
— Felipe Valenzuela (@fvale7) October 7, 2018
Members of Khabib’s team also appeared to enter the octagon to confront McGregor as chaos unfolded amid a toxic atmosphere.
When tensions had quelled Khabib was forced to leave the octagon flanked by security officials without being handed his belt, as debris rained down from the crowd.
Many blamed the Russian for appearing to let his emotions get the better of him, after remaining implacably calm during the build-up to the fight in the face of frequent provocation from McGregor.
Khabib was the better fighter and well deserved the win but I imagine he’ll face charges, lose his visa access and be dumped over this. That was about as idiotic and shameful a thing I’ve seen at a live sporting event. What a pack of idiots. Awful. #ufc229
— Danny O'Dwyer (@dannyodwyer) October 7, 2018
That was genuinely the craziest shit I’ve ever seen covering a fight. God damn #UFC229
— Jim Edwards (@MMA_Jim) October 7, 2018
Joe Rogan just said after Nurmagomedov came over to rip McGregor's corner, Dillon Danis was taunting Nurmagomedov, who then jumped the cage. Which led to World War III: Dagestan vs. Dublin #UFC229
— Brian Martin (@TheBMartin) October 7, 2018
Here's the thing: Avid MMA fans & those in the sport will rightly be disgusted. But everyone casually interested either was entertained by that nonsense or found a new fighter to hate watch. It was an amazing, validating performance by Khabib. Now, it's an afterthought #UFC229
— Justin Ivey (@JustinIvey_) October 7, 2018
Others pointed to McGregor's infamous attack on a bus carrying Nurmagomedov back in April, seeing the Russian figther's post-fight assualt as revenge for that incident.
I don't understand McGregor's fan base.Conor tried to attack Aldo.Conor threw bottles at Diaz.Conor attacked a bus and nearly blinded a person. Conor insulted Khabib’s dad and his religion. Don't be a hypocrite. Mcgregor got what he deserved. #UFC229
— Fuad Alakbarov (@DrAlakbarov) October 7, 2018
Khabib shouldn't have gone over the fence. His team member DEFINITELY shouldn't have attacked McGregor. There will be legal charges for his team. Dana White may punish Khabib, but it'd look terrible after he gave McGregor a free pass. Also, McGregor & his team? They deserved it
— John Hawkins (@johnhawkinsrwn) October 7, 2018
There were reports that members of the team involved in the rucus had been arrested, quoting UFC chief Dana White.
Dana White: "A lot of bad stuff and stuff that shouldn’t happen. I’m just disgusted. Three of Khabib's guys have been arrested. They are on their way to jail. There will charges filed against them I’m sure. These guys may never get a visa to get back in the country." #UFC229
— Sheldan Keay (@SheldanKeay) October 7, 2018
The chaos capped what was otherwise the perfect performance from Nurmagomedov, who moved his record to 27-0 with the win over McGregor, who slips to 21-4 on his return to the octagon.