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.

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’.

VIDEO STEW

Bellator Countdowns.

Oh no, Chuck.

Khabib.

Woodley update.

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.

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.

Put me under card. Put me co main. I don’t care. But put me in for the Flyweight title shot! @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 IVE EARNED MY SHOT. THIS IS MY TIME. Quit running this thing like a circus — Sijara SarJ Eubanks (@SarJnCharge) October 9, 2018

@Mickmaynard2 ok well my bad I guess you ain’t know sorry — Sijara SarJ Eubanks (@SarJnCharge) October 9, 2018

This is my life you’re playing with @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 — Sijara SarJ Eubanks (@SarJnCharge) October 9, 2018

@BulletValentina Me and you muthafucka we gonna fight. @joannamma stay ya ass on vacation you not ready for the big dogs. I want my fuckin belt yo — Sijara SarJ Eubanks (@SarJnCharge) October 9, 2018

Khabib really feeling himself.

Stipe taking the news very well, I see.

This is cool.

Have you ever wanted to own Fedor Emelianenko's "Glorious Sweater of Absolute Victory?"



Now is your chance, with a portion of proceeds from the auction being donated to @MakeAWish & a Russian-based children's charity. https://t.co/QTSVKnPwpS pic.twitter.com/TNBkUd4rmu — Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) October 9, 2018

Letting bygones be bygones.

Mike Perry being Mike Perry.

Shooting his shot.

@NateDiaz209 at 170 I got you homie — Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) October 10, 2018

#209 vs #305 stock vs stacks lets run it https://t.co/0by9AOXfjo — Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) October 10, 2018

LOL.

So wait am I still the back up for msg?? I gotta find a buffet ASAP — Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) October 9, 2018

Not a bad idea.

It’s too late to do this before the year ends but make GSP vs Woodley happen for the last 170 pound fight ever, GOAT status. End on a high note then add 165 and 175 to spread out these over populated weight divisions. — Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) October 9, 2018

LOL.

Looks like a normal Tony Ferguson workout https://t.co/gaWHRXIOUR — Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 9, 2018

Something to keep an eye out for.

Way to set the bar high @thebeastufc if letting his balls air out gets him a title shot . Well then ....... “ MY TA TA are hot @joerogan “ I’m letting my tig ole Bit-ties out ‍♀️❗️❗️❗️❗️#littletata photo credit @mburky525 pic.twitter.com/5OolaOmfAF — Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) October 9, 2018

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.

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.

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.

EXIT POLL

Poll How do you feel about the DC-Lewis fight? This poll is closed. 33% I like it. (628 votes)

15% I don’t like it. (279 votes)

51% This entire situation is a clown show. (952 votes) 1859 votes total Vote Now

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