Outside Octagon: Nurmagomedov vs. Bear, Denis Excuse and McGregor Recognition

On the eve of the UFC champion in lightweight champion Habib Nurmagomedov, together with his father Abdulmanap, met with President Vladimir Putin and Sport Minister Pavel Kolobkov. The Russian leader congratulated the fighter on the successful completion of the fight against Conor McGregor and expressed the opinion that his actions at the end of the battle do not deserve censure.

The meeting between Putin and Nurmagomedov should have finally answered McGregor’s question about the alleged lack of respect for the president by the Russian fighter. During a press conference in New York, the Irishman strongly reacted to Habib’s reluctance to be photographed with his country's leader during the final match of the 2018 World Cup.

This time, Nurmagomedov published a photo with Putin on his Instagram page, accompanying him with words of gratitude.

“Thank you very much, Vladimir Vladimirovich, for the warm welcome and for the congratulations. And I am very pleased that my victory brought so much joy to our multinational country. This is our common success, ”Nurmagomedov wrote.

According to the Russian soldier, it was very difficult for him to remain calm and not to succumb to numerous provocations by McGregor. He admitted that during the press conference he had difficulty keeping his composure.

“It was very hard for me. Just unbelieveble. But I managed. For this, my father gave me five plus. I do not remember when I deserved such an assessment from him. He said that he himself was surprised at how I behaved. But all the emotions that I saved then, I was able to send where I had to, during the battle, ”Kommersant quotes Nurmagomedov.

However, Nurmagomedov was unable to restrain himself forever. Patience broke at the end of a fight with McGregor, and anger turned in the direction of the Irish coach to fight Dillon Denis. As Habib admitted, he did not even hear that the specialist shouted to him, but he was not mistaken in his assumptions.

“I didn’t even hear myself at that time, there was such a noise. But by expression I understood everything. And what the media wrote later confirmed everything I thought. There were journalists standing nearby. Shouted that I (pronounces a curse. - RT ) and all that. I don’t want to repeat, ”said Nurmagomedov.

He also admitted that there was not a pleasant conversation between him and his father regarding his behavior outside of Octagon after the fight with McGregor. At the same time, he also expressed confidence that the UFC would not deprive him of the championship title, and the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) would be limited to fines and temporary suspension.

Denis himself shared his vision of what happened. In a conversation with ESPN journalist Ariel Helvani, he denied claims that he insulted Nurmagomedov on religious grounds.

“Habib fans try to talk me into trying to justify his actions. I have never offended anyone’s religious views and will never do that. Now I am waiting for the final decision of the NSAC, which is considering this incident. According to the results of the investigation, all the charges against me should be dropped, and the culprit must be punished, ”the trainer said.

Triumph in a fight with McGregor made the Russians one of the most talked about MMA fighters in the world. Messages in social networks are gaining millions of views, and the number of subscribers is already approaching the value of 12 million.

Khabib vs bear part II book it @ danawhitepic.twitter.com / JTKeljeRlb

Against this background, it is rather funny that the network once again began to discuss the video four years ago, in which Habib fights with the bear. One of the users suggested that the UFC organize a return fight between a Russian and a wild beast, and the head of the promotion, Dana White, also did not stand aside, having commented on the video in a playful manner.

“Hello, Mrs. Nurmagomedova. Can Habib come out to play? ”- says the caption to the picture of a bear standing at the door.

Meanwhile, MacGregor himself made his first official press statements after the defeat of Nurmagomedov. According to the Irishman, he never thought about his victory over Habib, but was only sure that it would be a wonderful evening.

“At each stage of preparation for the fight - press conferences, weigh-in - I emphasized that the victory was likely to go to Nurmagomedov. As I have repeatedly stated, he is an excellent fighter. And besides, he's a good guy, ”MacGregor quoted NewsThump.

The ex-champion of the UFC in two weight categories was extremely respectful and admitted that the strongest winner in the main event of UFC 229.

“Throughout my life, my motto was:“ The main thing is not victory, but participation. ” And I just proved that it is. I had a great time, ”the athlete said.