UFC 229: Conor McGregor talks up brawl technique after ban

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor says he did not intend “to land the final blow” in a post-fight brawl following a defeat by Khabib Nurmagomedov – but talked up his technique in the incident.

McGregor was suspended for six months and fined $50,000 (£38,095) for his part in the ugly scenes which marred UFC 229 in October.

Nurmagomedov was banned for nine months and fined $500,000 (£380,950).

“It’s just how it played out,” said Ireland’s McGregor.

In a post on social media he initially said: “I am thankful for the Nevada Athletic Commission’s fair assessment and handling of the brawl incident.

“It was not my intention to land the final blow of the night on my opponent’s blood relative.

“I look forward to competing again soon.”

Russian Nurmagomedov began a brawl by the octagon after beating McGregor, before the Irishman was involved in a bust-up with his opponent’s team.

In a second message about the incident, McGregor posted two pictures of him evading a punch before landing one of his own on someone from Nurmagomedov’s team.

“Straight left hand inside the attackers jab,” he said.

“He attempted to use the big security guard that’s in all the movies as cover, but I could smell him a mile away and landed flush down the pipe.

“The final blow of the night at UFC 229 in association with McGregor Sports and Entertainment.”

The suspensions for McGregor and Nurmagomedov have been backdated to the date of the Las Vegas fight.

However, Nurmagomedov’s suspension could be reduced to six months if he participates in an anti-bullying campaign in Nevada.

If it is, it is not expected he will return to action until after 5 June because the practising Muslim will honour Ramadan.

Two of Nurmagomedov’s team have also been handed suspensions by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC).

Both Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov have been banned for one year and fined $25,000 (£19,030).

How the chaos unfolded

• Nurmagomedov largely dominated proceedings before administering a rear-naked choke, prompting McGregor to tap out with one minute and 57 seconds of round four remaining.
• The champion instantly shouted at the beaten man and then pointed at McGregor’s team before exiting the ring and attacking Dillon Danis, a fighter who trains with McGregor.
• While the brawl took place, McGregor was involved in a bust-up in the octagon with one of Nurmagomedov’s training partners.
• Nurmagomedov left the arena with fans throwing objects towards him, while UFC president Dana White said he felt “sick” over the scenes.
• Three of Nurmagomedov’s party were arrested but later released. – bbc.com