Dana White to Khabib: 'If I put this belt on you, everyone’s going to start throwing s---'
Khabib Nurmagomedov submitted Conor McGregor in the fourth round of UFC 229’s main event, but that was only the beginning of the story.
When the fight was over, Khabib hopped over the cage and into the crowd and started a fight with who appeared to be Dillon Danis, McGregor’s jiu-jitsu coach, who was reportedly talking to Khabib during the fight.
Conor McGregor gets sucker punched
While security corralled Khabib, someone who appeared to be one of his team members hopped into the Octagon and sucker punched McGregor.
At this point, security and police flooded the ring to stop the madness.
CHAOS! Khabib jumps out of the octagon and fights break out in the crowd! #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/bOHSnLevoq
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 7, 2018
The madness outside the Octagon following UFC 229. It looked like Khabib was coming after Conor’s corner and both sides had to be restrained by cops and security. pic.twitter.com/tOHIWgTQb3
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 7, 2018
Khabib leaves Octagon without belt
By the time the chaos calmed down, UFC president Dana White canceled the belt ceremony as the crowd was loudly booing Khabib.
“If I put this belt on you, everyone’s going to start throwing s— into the Octagon,” White said.
Khabib and McGregor were escorted out of the Octagon heavily guarded by security before Khabib was announced as champion with both fighters out of the arena.
After the fight, White told Fox Sports that three members of Khabib’s team had been arrested.
Moments after the chaos, @danawhite joins our @MeganOlivi to discuss what happened, and the repercussions that follow. pic.twitter.com/yk8NgCnICb
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) October 7, 2018
Arrests made
“Three of his guys have been arrested and taken to jail,” White said. “They both made it very clear that the rivalry wouldn’t be over after the fight. But I didn’t see Khabib jumping over the Octagon — I didn’t see that coming.
“Three guys have been arrested. There are going to be charges filed against them, I’m sure. God knows what the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s going to do to Khabib and his guys — I think they’re fighters. Are these guys ever going to get a visa again to get back into this country? There’s a lot of repercussions from what they did tonight, ones that I don’t even think they realize yet.”
Here’s backstage video of a member of Khabib’s team getting arrested. pic.twitter.com/8vqylIeKAa
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 7, 2018
White later told reporters that the three arrested men had been released and that McGregor did not plan to press charges.
More UFC 229 coverage from Yahoo Sports:
• Kevin Iole: Crazy scene erupts after Khabib submits Conor
• Dan Wetzel: Despite ugly scene, UFC will gladly cash in
• Khabib says Putin congratulated him after fight
• Dana White: Khabib’s fight check withheld