Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about Conor McGregor and the brawl at his homecoming

GiveMeSport

scores

By Dov Rawson

Published Oct 9, 2018

Some might feel regret

Khabib Nurmagomedov instigated a brawl after his victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229.

Moments after landing a fourth round submission, the Dagestani fighter jumped into the crowd to attack McGregor's teammate Dillon Danis.

Afterwards, the undefeated lightweight champion was told that he could not receive his belt in the octagon amid fears that it could incite trouble in the T-Mobile Arena.

Nurmagomedov is likely to be heavily fined for his behaviour and could also receive a suspension.

If it's a lengthy ban, the 30-year-old fighter could even be stripped of his lightweight title.

On Monday night, thousands of fans descended on the Anzhi Arena to greet Nurmagomedov on his homecoming.

Khabib spoke about McGregor - who had repeatedly insulted him - and how he prayed to "be locked in that cage" with him.

“I prayed to God for one thing, to be left alone in the cage with this clown. I asked him this every day,” said Nurmagomedov, as per RT.

“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.”

Nurmagomedov - given a heroes welcome - also spoke to the fans about his role in the melee that followed.

“And with what happened afterwards, some people say I did the wrong thing, others that I did the right thing,” Nurmagomedov said, as per RT.

“You can’t confine an eagle to a cage. You can't confine an eagle to a cage. And I showed them that."

Nurmagomedov is nicknamed 'The Eagle' and he certainly showed that side of him when he flew out of the cage on Saturday night.

https://twitter.com/Ruptly/status/1049517310141259777

McGregor's coach John Kavanagh said he understood Nurmagomedov's behaviour and hopes will be treated leniently.

"I hope they’re lenient on him, and not just just so we can get a rematch," said Kavanagh on the Joe Rogan Experience. "I mean I love watching him fight for a start.