It perhaps wasn't quite the ending Khabib Nurmagomedov was hoping for at UFC 229 back in 2018.

Although The Eagle kept his promised and 'smashed' Conor McGregor over the course of four rounds, it's the brawl which stole the headlines yet shined the UFC in a negative light.

UNDEFEATED

A neck crank submission hold from the dangerous bear-grappling Dagestani was enough to keep his unbeaten record intact with The Notorious failing to claim the undisputed lightweight championship.

For Nurmagomedov, he was unable to enjoy the satisfaction of Bruce Buffer announcing him as the winner with UFC president Dana White wrapping the gold title around his waist.

The Russian was instead ushered out by security after he decided to play his role in igniting an unsightly scuffle by jumping over the Octagon and attacking Dillon Danis, McGregor's jiu-jitsu partner.

The Irishman also got into it with Zubaira Tukhugov inside of the Octagon and it's why both Khabib and McGregor are expected to find out their fates on January 29, 2019.

Following the fallout from their grudge match, Submission Radio caught up with Nurmagomedov who broke his silence on attacking Danis, with plenty of speculation circulating regarding what was said that caused Nurmagomedov to snap.

It was thought that Danis may have said something inappropriate to Khabib, however, the lightweight king has now revealed that it was his existing feud with the SBG Ireland stable that precipitated his actions with Danis the appropriate target because of his age.

AGE

According to MMA Fighting, he said: "No, I didn’t hear him, you know. I jumped on him because other corner is too old; because Conor’s other corner, other coaches, too old, and that’s why I jumped on him, because he’s almost like my age,” Nurmagomedov said.

“If I jumped on [coach John] Kavanagh, I don’t think it’s too — cause Kavanagh can’t fight me. That’s why I jumped on him. But when I fight, I didn’t hear him, it was too loud.

“But I don’t like his whole team. I have choice what I’m gonna do, but all other old coaches were too old for me. They cannot fight with me. They’re almost like my father’s age. That’s why I jump on him."

So, it turns out that Danis wasn't the only intended target and his age is the primary reason why the likes of Kavanagh and Owen Roddy didn't feel the brunt of Nurmagomedov's attack.

What do you make of the reason why Khabib Nurmagomedov attacked Dillon Danis after defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 229? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.