Khabib submits Conor in fourth round of dominate fight
I am back on the articles! I have been very busy with a fire in my business location back in March, and new projects with our research foundation, and of course remodeling our academy and the new look.
At UFC 229 Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0) out struck, outwrestled, outfought and dominated UFC superstar Conor McGregor (21-4) to defend his UFC lightweight title via fourth-round submission at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The UFC has become somewhat of a circus. I hosted Khabib vs. Conor fight with guests, and it was in many ways the most appalling representation of mixed martial arts events. It was a shame and black eye regarding disrespect, dishonor, arrogance, narcissism, and a shameful display of a sport to Martial artists, fans, and especially to children.
But lets take a look at why. And no, Khabib is not the fault here.
Was it out of line to jump out of the ring? Yes. Was it his fault? No. Go look at the cause and effect of this problem.
Dana White.
Dana has been in the UFC for almost 20 years. He used to be a bellhop and later moved to Las Vegas, where he managed former UFC fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. Dana knew a Fertita brother who he convinced to purchase the UFC. Dana was made president. From there the UFC has had struggles and successes.
More up to modern day, when we end up with the UFC 229 fiasco, all the finger pointing has been at Khabib.
UFC chose to skip Nurmagomedov’s traditional post-fight interview in order to play it safe.
“If I put this belt on you, everybody’s going to start throwing s–t into the Octagon,” White told Nurmagomedov.
Ok, so what happened? What caused this, the intensity of the fight? No, it’s the same drama the UFC has to enact to enrage fans, fighters against each other for one reason, PPV orders.
Dillon Danis, a training partner with Conor was who Khabib went after outside of the ring. Then Conor was in an altercation in the ring. Then the entire brawl ensued.
Dana White seemed to point the finger at Khabib’s group:
“What happens here is, there have been three guys arrested, there are going to be files charged against them, I’m sure. God knows what the Nevada State Athletic Commission is going to do to Khabib and his guys, I think they’re fighters,” White said.
“Are they ever going to get a visa again to get back in this country? There’s a lot of things, a lot of repercussions from what they did tonight. Ones that I don’t think they even realize yet.”1
At the post-fight presser, Dana said that the Nevada State Athletic Commission will launch an investigation into everything and is withholding Nurmagomedov’s $2 million purse as they do. McGregor’s $3 million purse was not withheld as the NAC didn’t see any evidence to do so.
Above you can clearly see judge, jury and executioner regarding the charges on Khabib’s teammates. And remember Dana stated clearly they don’t know consequences along with possibly losing their visa. And they are still holding Khabib’s purse, but not Conor. Really?
Well, Conor refused to press charges, and Dana White angrily still promised they would be punished:
UFC president Dana White says ultimately McGregor opted not to press charges against them.
“Conor was one of the guy who was attacked. Conor refused to press charges,”
White revealed at the UFC 229 post-fight press conference. “So the guys that they did have were released. There were three guys from Khabib’s team arrested, I think they were from Khabib’s team.
“They were released because Conor didn’t want to press charges.”
As far as the athletes involved in the melee outside of the two main event fighters, White says that if they are under contract with the UFC, they’ll never compete in the Octagon again.
“The guys who jumped in will never fight he corner. They’ll never fight here,” White confirmed. It is believed that at least two current UFC fighters — Islam Makhachev and Zubaira Tukhogov — were part of Nurmagomedov’s and may have been involved in the brawl but nothing has been confirmed yet. White also added that Nurmagomedov had his paycheck withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and will face potential sanctions as a result of Saturday night.”2
Radio host Joe Rogan, who was cageside at UFC 229, says Dillon Danis, a member of Conor McGregor’s fight team, was taunting Khabib Nurmagomedov, before the Russian lost his cool, and leaped out of the octagon to attack him.
“Dillon was absolutely insulting Khabib, saying something to him and provoking him and then Khabib just jumped over the cage and attacked him,” Rogan, the presenter of the Joe Rogan Experience said on-air in the hours after the chaotic denouement to the title fight. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. I thought Khabib was just going to jump to the top of the cage and say ‘F*** you’.”3
Joe Rogan: Conor McGregor getting special treatment:
“I wouldn’t say it was a booze move, it’s more of a coke move. Or it could just be part of his act. What if that dolly hit the part where Rose was sitting and cut Rose’s face up? Michael Chiesa, I’m sad that he got cut but Chiesa is a tough bastard, he will be fine. He is probably pissed off, will sue Conor and make a s–t load of money suing him. But what if it hit Rose? The f——-g world would hate him. What if Rose was blinded in one eye because of that? Ray Borg got cuts in his eyes, so it’s entirely possible. He got glass shards in, he’s got a scratched cornea. Chiesa filed a complaint, which will lead to a lawsuit, I would imagine. If I was Conor, I would settle every f—-ing thing outside of a courtroom because if he loses and he gets a felony, he’s f—-d. He probably won’t even be able to come into the country. Switch it around; imagine if Ray Borg threw that dolly and Conor was inside. He’d be gone, his career would be over. That’s one of the more f—-d up things about this is that you know Conor is getting special treatment. He is, and that’s not good for anybody.”4
Let’s go back to these standards which were absentee for Conor regarding his bus assault:
– Conor agreed to a plea deal at a hearing at Kings County Courthouse in Brooklyn, New York which saw all felony counts against the popular fighter dismissed.
– Per the terms of the plea deal, McGregor pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct and forced to undergo five days of community service, 1-3 days of an anger management evaluation, and required to pay restitution for the damage he inflicted on a UFC fighter bus during UFC 223 fight week.
– Three orders of protections were also served against McGregor, including two by UFC fighters Ray Borg and Michael Chiesa. McGregor will not be permitted near them until July 2020.5
– Not only was Michael Chiesa forced out of his lightweight tilt with Anthony Pettis after sustaining lacerations to his face from McGregor throwing a dolly through a glass window, but Ray Borg had to pull out of his flyweight matchup with Brandon Moreno after reportedly having trouble seeing.
– Dana White stated he would let the legal system take care of Conor.
– Conor received five hours of community service and mandated anger management classes after his lawyers copped a plea bargain.
– White, the UFC or Commission never punished Conor for his outburst.6
You can view the psychopathic, appalling behavior of Conor attacking a bus and injuring the fighters.7:
Remember, Dana said Conor would be punished by the UFC.8:
“We’ll see what happens,” White told TMZ.
“He’s got to be punished by the law first, let’s see what happens in New York. He’s gotta go through that first.”
Ignore Conor, punish Khabib
Dana then made a statement on Oct. 7, stating Khabib’s check is withheld, and he may face more fines. Keep in mind, Conor is already convicted, plead out on a prior charge and history, while charges against Khabib’s camp were dropped, Khabib himself faces no criminal charges, yet now it is assured he is guilty due to his actions, which were not professional, but compared to Conor? Conor should be serving at least 5 years in prison.9
Evidence
So here, Conor did not press charges. Why? Well, let’s look at the evidence. He would have perjured himself with a statement.
Above statement by Joe Rogan shows the taunting to Khabib and his camp. Yet, what else?
New camera angle shows Conor McGregor threw the ‘first punch’.10
Khabib’s teammate was on the fence attempting to call back or go pull Khabib back. This twitter account shows discussion, and photos along with videos clearly showing Conor striking Khabib’s teammate first, and unprovoked, which may be the underlying cause to exacerbate the ring fight.11
Here photos from video clips suggest Conor punched and kicked Khabib’s teammate.12
This photo enlarged clearly shows Conor striking first.13
- UFC didn’t suspend Conor when he threw that dolly through the bus.
- Conor jumped out of the ring and confronted Jose Aldo Junior.
- Conor threw the bottles at Nate Diaz.
- Conor called Khabib’s Dad a quivering coward.
- Conor called Khabib’s manager Ali Abdelaziz a ‘f****** snitch, terrorist and rat’.
Where is fair justice with the UFC? What about Khabib? He is a Muslim, Russian that Conor attempts to insult and offend. Khabib stated:
“What about him talking about my family, my religion, the bus? Why are people talking about me jumping over the cage? My father talks to me about respect.”14
– Conor has stated in past news using racist and bigoted statements.
– In 2016 McGregor called Nate Diaz a “cholo gangster from the hood.”
– McGregor told Brazilian fighter Jose Aldo, “I own this town, I own Rio de Janeiro. I would invade his favela on horseback and would kill anyone who wasn’t fit to work, but we’re in a new time, so I’ll whoop his ass instead.”
– McGregor pulled out his “Dance for me, boy!” line to Floyd Mayweather Jr..15
– Now, White says NSAC could fine Khabib $2 million. White says he keeps his title, but then states Conor got suspended from New York. (Implying Conor was punished for bus incident). He also thinks Khabib will get suspended — and believes he deserves to be shelved for 4 to 6 months.16
The UFC should be very careful on too much favoritism to Conor. Overall, their ticket gates do ok, and they have video games, but their overall pay per view has been a flop. For example, here are their own recent numbers:
UFC 221 estimated at 130,000 buys
UFC 222 estimated at 260,000 buys
UFC 223 estimated at 210,000 buys
UFC 224 estimated at 85,000 buys
UFC 225 estimated at 250,000 buys
UFC 226 estimated at 380,000 buys
UFC 227 estimated at 300,00 buys
UFC 228 estimated at 130,00 buys
Anderson Silva is probably semi retired. Jon Jones has so much steroid damage on him, his greatness is always marred, and may or may not see him again. Rhonda Rousey was Dana White’s biggest investment. He named her as the greatest fighter, yet when she fought an actual striker who has professional striking (Holly Holm) it was an embarrassing loss to her. And Amanda Nunez destroyed Rhonda, her Judo, and her career. Yet Amanda was never promoted like Rhonda. This favoritism is what will cost the UFC.
Conor is not, and has never been the greatest fighter of all time. He is a good fighter with good skills, yet when we look at his promo, look at these points on his opponents short notice:
- Nate Diaz took to Instagram and refuted White’s claims that he was getting ready for a triathlon. He instead was on a beach in Mexico with his teammate Gilbert Melendez when the UFC called and asked him to take the McGregor fight.17
- Chad Mendes had two weeks’ notice to challenge McGregor for the UFC interim featherweight title.18
I think Nate beat Conor both times, as even in the last round of their second fight, Joe Rogan comments that Nate got the takedown and that may have sinched the decision. Why didn’t Khabib, or even Nate get the title fight with Eddie Avelar?
The UFC will not have another Rhonda or Conor. Both were priorized for the UFC. Yet if Rhonda lost to Holly, who at that time wasn’t even a top five, and Conor lost to an out of shape Nate Diaz who wasn’t even in the top five, how can they ignore so much talent for the future of the UFC?
Dana, you’ve seen all the good and the bad. Conor is not your only star. Remember the fans need to see people they root for. Clean up the foul mouth, swearing every other word with you and your fighters during Fox interviews that have to be bleeped out on TV. Get speaking coaches so you can get your crowd back. Consider lowering that PPV. Don’t attack religion because you are an atheist, like you did Yoel Romero stating this:
“America doesn’t want to hear your thoughts on Jesus. Keep that stuff at home – religion, politics, all the stuff. When you’re fighting and being interviewed, they want to hear about the fight. It’s awesome you love Jesus. Love Jesus all you want. You just don’t have to do it publicly.”19
No Dana, your wrong. We have a first amendment right, and is not subject to the whims of your views against race, color, creed or religion. Just like our Supreme court of the USA found secular humanism a religion (Torcaso v. Watkins the Supreme Court), all religions are to be respected, including atheism, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.
In the end, Dana White feels Conor’s actions are well worth it:
“Conor works very well with us. We’ve worked very well with him. There are obviously certain things you have to deal with, with a Conor McGregor,” White told ESPN’s “Get Up” (via MMA Weekly). He’s worth it.”20
One last look at possible fairness:
NSAC chairman Anthony Marnell told ESPN on Monday (October 8) the commission is conducting a full investigation into the melee that took place after Nurmagomedov’s championship victory against McGregor. The investigation includes lengthy film review and interviews with people involved.
It released McGregor’s $3 million payday but now intends to file a complaint against the Irishman as well, after reviewing tape that was not immediately available on fight night.21
Stay tuned.
William Vandry
CSMT, CSIS, CSN, CCPSI
• Sports medicine specialist
• Sports injury specialist
• Sports Nutrition specialist
• 6th degree black belt Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Sources:
1.THREE OF KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV’S TEAMMATES ARRESTED AFTER CONOR MCGREGOR ATTACKED
Three of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Teammates Arrested After Conor McGregor Attacked
2.WHITE: CONOR MCGREGOR REFUSED TO PRESS CHARGES, TEAMMATES INVOLVED IN BRAWL WILL NEVER FIGHT IN UFC AGAIN
3.Joe Rogan says he heard Dillon Danis ‘absolutely provoking & insulting Khabib’ before their brawl
https://www.rt.com/sport/440602-khabib-danis-joe-rogan/
4. Joe Rogan: Conor McGregor getting special treatment following Brooklyn rampage is ‘f—ked up’
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/18/17253282/ufc-joe-rogan-conor-mcgregor-special-ufc-treatment-brooklyn-rampage-f-ked-up-mma
4.All fighters removed from UFC 223 due to McGregor fiasco will be paid
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/6/17207580/all-fighters-removed-from-ufc-223-due-to-mcgregof-fiasco-will-be-paid-mma
5. Conor McGregor sentenced for UFC 223 bus attack
https://www.mmafighting.com/2018/7/26/17614442/conor-mcgregor-sentenced-for-ufc-223-dolly-incident
6. Conor McGregor escapes felony charges for bus attack, sentence includes community service and anger management
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/7/26/17616710/ufc-conor-mcgregor-escapes-felony-charges-bus-attack-sentence-community-service-anger-management-mma
7. Raw video: Conor McGregor crashes UFC 223 media day, Michael Chiesa cut during wild bus attack
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/5/17203380/video-conor-mcgregor-crashes-ufc-223-media-day-michael-chiesa-cut-wild-bus-attack-arrested-brooklyn
8. White: UFC will punish Conor McGregor after NY court disciplines ‘Notorious’ for Brooklyn bus attack
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/4/30/17302196/white-ufc-will-punish-conor-mcgregor-after-ny-court-disciplines-notorious-brooklyn-bus-attack-mma
9. Dana White: Khabib Nurmagomedov’s UFC 229 check being withheld, suspension and fines could follow
https://sports.yahoo.com/dana-white-khabib-nurmagomedovs-fight-check-withheld-suspension-fines-follow-063918659.html
10. UFC 229: Fans claim new camera angle shows Conor McGregor threw the ‘first punch’
https://www.foxsportsasia.com/combat-sports/ufc/950558/ufc-229-fans-claim-new-camera-angle-shows-conor-mcgregor-threw-the-first-punch/
11. However, it can then be seen, that the Irishman throws a punch at one of Nurmagomedov’s crew-mates, as he is on top of the fence along with McGregor.
צילום מתוך האולם של הקרב. וגם של הסיום של חביב-מקגרגור pic.twitter.com/7DtRWJK79m
— Ram Gilboa (@RamGilboa) October 7, 2018
12. How shocking McGregor brawl started: New footage suggests Irish star threw first punch to spark fight
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mma/article-6249187/New-footage-suggests-McGregor-threw-punch-spark-brawl-Khabib.html
13. New Footage Emerges Showing McGregor’s ‘First Punch’ At Khabib’s Team
https://www.balls.ie/mma/new-footage-emerges-shows-mcgregors-throwing-first-punch-398275
14. FOLLOW CONTACT Sport MMA Monday 8 October 2018 ‘He talked about my religion, my country and my father’ – Nurmagomedov explains why he attacked McGregor team
https://www.independent.ie/sport/mma/he-talked-about-my-religion-my-country-and-my-father-nurmagomedov-explains-why-he-attacked-mcgregor-team-37392589.html
15. Yes, Conor McGregor Is a Racist
https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/yes-conor-mcgregor-is-a-racist-1796876545
16. http://www.tmz.com/2018/10/08/dana-white-khabib-ufc-229-fine-brawl/
17. https://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-nate-diaz-conor-mcgregor-yacht-cabo-mexico-got-the-call-to-fight-030716
18. https://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/9/9113975/chad-mendes-on-conor-mcgregor-with-a-full-camp-i-win-that-fight-every
19. https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/dana-whites-shocking-comments-jesus/
20. Dana White on Conor McGregor’s troublesome antics: ‘He’s worth it’
https://www.mmamania.com/2018/9/25/17902330/ufc-229-dana-white-conor-mcgregor-troublesome-antics-worth-it
21. http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/24933080/conor-mcgregor-khabib-nurmagomedov-face-nsac-complaints-brawl