Khabib Nurmagamedov Received an Incredible Welcome by Dagestani Fans Who Were Out in Their Thousands…
He might lose $2 million, but Khabib Nurmagamedov will remain the official UFC champion and is definitely a hero to his Russian fans. Allegedly he has demanded a record-breaking contract to fight Conor McGregor again in a rematch and could be out of action with a 6 months suspension.
After a busy and stressful few months, it might actually be nice for the Russian to spend some time at home with his wife and family. After all the controversy and drama of UFC 229, it will surely have been a massive boost to be greeted by thousands of Russian fans in a stadium after going back home.
In the footage below you can see just how many manic, crazy fans were packed into the arena. It’s insane and just goes to show that Russian fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated in the sport of MMA.
Incredible
If this doesn’t make you feel special, then nothing will. Khabib strides out of the stadium’s tunnel, with his belt thrown over his shoulder. He’s all smiles and embraced by fans on his way out. Incidentally, he wasn’t actually presented his belt on the night because there was just too much mayhem.
There are over 10,000 fans present in the stadium. They make their voices heard, as they chant ‘Khabib, Khabib, Khabib,’ over and over. It’s truly remarkable and must have been an unbelievable sensation for Nurmagamedov, as he stepped back out in front of his home fans. He then gets swarmed by an army of excited Dagestanis.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BouZw2_n-L6/?hl=en&taken-by=khabib_nurmagomedov
Power
Khabib is definitely due a promotional push now. After beating the UFC’s only mainstream star in Conor McGregor, he’s on track to break through that glass ceiling himself – if that’s what he wants to do. He demonstrated that despite the drama and chaos of the night, he still has a good relationship with UFC president Dana White, as you can see above. He posted:
“@danawhite you lucky that you give my belt, or I would smash your car, I know your parking location.”
It’s very funny by the Russian and it looks like the UFC President isn’t holding any grudges.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BotXcNEn9r9/?hl=en&taken-by=khabib_nurmagomedov
Consequences
It’s not all laughs and smiles though. Abdulmanap Nurmagamedov – Khabib’s father and one of the most respected martial arts coaches in Russia – has said that he intends to punish his son worse than the UFC will. Considering Dana White has said that the Dagestani fighter may not get paid his $2 million, Abdulmanap must have something very serious planned.
One thing is certain though, it’s impossible to strip the Russian without shutting down the lightweight division. At 27-0, and has beaten two former champions in Rafael Dos Anjos and Conor McGregor, Khabib is finally consolidated as lightweight champion of the world. Now skip the rematch and give us that fight against Tony Ferguson…