DC Proud of Khabib’s Conduct Post-UFC 229

As Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate at the American Kickboxing Academy, Daniel Cormier has seen both the UFC lightweight champion’s good, fun-loving side and his competitive edge. But what’s caught Cormier’s attention recently is how Nurmagomedov has handled himself in the aftermath of UFC 229.

Nurmagomedov retained his title with a fourth-round submission of rival Conor McGregor back at the October pay-per-view. Following the tapout, Nurmagomedov turned back to the Irish fighter and spewed harsh words before jumping out of the Octagon to attack his team, including Bellator fighter Dillon Danis. Meanwhile, inside the cage, McGregor brawled with two of Nurmagomedov’s cornermen, cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugo.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed out fines and suspensions late last month, which included a nine-month suspension and $500,000 fine for Khabib Nurmagomedov and one-year suspensions with $25,000 fines for his teammates.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Cormier confirmed that the Dagestani UFC champion is planning on sitting out until his teammates’ longer suspensions are up and that Khabib is “done” with Las Vegas. Cormier added that Khabib Nurmagomedov is paying his teammates’ fines too, which the UFC heavyweight champion calls “the most honorable thing I’ve seen in my life.”

“Not many guys will pay the fine, the 500 grand, also pay the fines of your teammates and brothers,” Cormier said. “He’s paying their money too. Whatever they fine [Abubakar and Tukhugov], he’s gonna pay it too. Those are his brothers. They were acting to help him, I guess. They’re suspended longer, he will sit with them.

“That’s one thing about those guys and their lifestyle and their community is that they are family at the highest level and what he’s doing is so honorable. Not many people would do that. He’s doing it with the idea that even if they take his title, it does not mean more to him than standing next to his brothers. It doesn’t get any better than that. I appreciate it. I do think the fine was steep. Whatever.

He also said that he’s not gonna fight there anymore. He’s very firm in his approach, he’s very firm in what he wants to convey to the world. I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of the man that Khabib has become from the moment he walked into AKA to who he is today, I’m very proud of him.

Original Story: MMA Fighting