Khabib Nurmagomedov was the better man in the Octagon but let himself down with his post-fight behaviour.
The biggest fight in UFC history is in the books and the argument about the world’s greatest lightweight has been put to rest, for now, but the sport of mixed martial arts has been set back years by what happened after Nurmagomedov successfully defended his 155lbs crown by overwhelming Conor McGregor over four rounds.
Nurmagomedov retained his title by forcing ‘The Notorious’ to submit to a neck crank in the fourth round of their grudge match in Las Vegas but it might be some time before we see him back in the cage because he is likely looking at a lengthy fine and suspension.
The undefeated Russian made the horrible decision to hop the fence in an attempt to attack McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, who had proclaimed himself a better grappler than Nurmagomedov in the lead-up to this weekend’s fight.
We’ve seen teammates confronted, buses attacked and very personal insults exchanged in recent months but there was absolutely no need for the antics that followed Saturday night’s headliner.
Disgusting. #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/bfRMnM6YwL
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) October 7, 2018
Nurmagomedov did exactly as he said he would do against the Irishman as he took him down almost at will, made McGregor tired, talked to him throughout the beating and made him quit.
A neck crank ultimately drew the tap from McGregor in the fourth round and the scorecards confirmed that ‘The Notorious’ would have needed a finish even if he didn’t submit.
Here's the scorecard for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor before the fight was finished for anyone curious #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/nNPztDjTxG
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) October 7, 2018
The fight went as many pundits anticipated, with Nurmagomedov putting on a grappling clinic against McGregor to retain his title.
McGregor came out of the traps with some early pressure from the opening bell and defended Nurmagomedov’s first attempt at a takedown admirably but if there’s anything we’ve learned from ‘The Eagle’ over the years, it’s that he chains his wrestling better than almost anybody.
Nurmagomedov’s top control is second to none and he quickly pinched McGregor’s legs together, between his, and forced McGregor to work as the Russian seamlessly transitioned to smothering positions in what was a clear 10-9 round for the defending champion.
Nurmagomedov made McGregor commit to a striking battle early on in the second round after dropping him with a beautiful right hand but once the takedown presented itself, Nurmagomedov returned to his bread and butter and dragged the Dubliner down to the canvas, where he began unloading.
Referee Herb Dean took a long, hard look at proceedings after Nurmagomedov launched a breathless onslaught from top position and it soon became apparent that McGregor knew that he was sharing the cage with a different animal.
There were some promising moments in the third round when McGregor defended a couple of takedowns and found a home for some straight punches but Nurmagomedov was content to stand with his most vocal rival before returning to the wrestling realm moments later.
KHABIB FORCES CONOR TO TAP! 😱
IT'S ALL OVER!! #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/jcjjUQJw61
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 7, 2018
McGregor didn’t see the end of the fourth round as he was forced to submit under the crushing squeeze of Nurmagomedov’s forearm against his jaw.
We should be celebrating Nurmagomedov’s stunning title defence and unfathomable record after Saturday night but instead we are talking about the disgraceful scenes which marred the main event and wondering how the Nevada State Athletic Commission will punish those involved in the melee.
