Khabib Nurmagomedov threatens to quit UFC after Conor McGregor brawl
The Russian has said that he will quit the UFC if Zubaira Tukhugov is fired for entering the Octagon and attacking McGregor immediately after the UFC 229 main event
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Khabib Nurmagomedov has threatened to quit the UFC.
The undefeated lightweight champion wrote on Instagram that he will walk away from the promotion if Zubaira Tukhugov is suspended for his role in the post-fight brawl that broke out at UFC 229.
Tukhugov appeared to vault over the Octagon and strike Conor McGregor in the back of the head, immediately after Nurmagomedov had submitted the Irishman in the fourth round of their lightweight title fight.
After the brawl McGregor decided not to press charges, although UFC president Dana White immediately pledged that those who entered the Octagon and attacked McGregor would never fight in the promotion again.
“The guys who jumped in will never fight here again,” he said at the post-fight press conference.
“I've been working hard to promote this sport, this is not what a mixed martial arts event is normally like.”
However his position could change given Nurmagomedov’s ultimatum.
“I would like to address the UFC,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Instagram.
“Why didn't you fire anyone when their team attacked the bus and injured a couple of people? They could have killed someone there, why no one says anything about insulting my homeland, religion, nation, family?
“Why do you have to punish my team, when both teams fought. If you say that I started it, then I do not agree, I finished what he had started.
“In any case, punish me, Zubaira Tukhugov has nothing to do with that.
“If you think that I’ll keep silent then you are mistaken. You cancelled Zubaira’s fight and you want to dismiss him just because he hit Conor. But don’t forget that it was Conor who had hit my brother FIRST, just check the video.
“If you decide to fire him, you should know that you’ll lose me too. We never give up on our brothers in Russia and I will go to the end for my Brother. If you still decide to fire him, don’t forget to send me my broken contract, otherwise I'll break it myself.
“And one more thing, you can keep my money that you are withholding. You are pretty busy with that, I hope it won’t get stuck in your throat. We have defended our honour and this is the most important thing. We intend to go to the end.”
Nurmagomedov’s statement also appeared to confirm that Tukhugov’s forthcoming bout with Artem Lobov – a team mate of McGregor’s – has been officially cancelled.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments