After two years out of the Octogan, Conor McGregor's comeback proved unsuccessful as the Irish MMA star struggled throughout a tense affair versus Khabib Nurmagomedov. That event was overshadowed by what came after, as a mass brawl broke out in and outside the Octogan.
The chaotic scenes occurred after Nurmagomedov jumped into the crowd and attacked McGregor's training partner, Dillon Danis. UFC President Dana White refused to award Nurmagomedov his belt after the fight and confirmed that the Nevada State Commission were withholding his purse.
For Irish fans and media, the events will once again thrust the nation into debate with the controversial celebrity at the heart of it. Tonight, McGregor was not the instigator but his ethic and religious jibes have resulted in some uncomfortable questions.
khabib submits McGregor in the forth. It's all kicking off. Danis and Khabib throwing down. Terrible scenes here. Its all going off here in Vegas. Someone cracked McGregor with a sucker punch. Looked like Khabib kicked that all off. Shocking scenes #UFC229
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) October 7, 2018
Are you fucking serious Oscar? Khabib went at Conor’s team mate then his boys jumped Conor in the cage, sober up! https://t.co/lc4RbVS9Di
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) October 7, 2018
Regarding this comment, it’s nothing to do with winning or losing but blaming the McGregor fans, Irish fans for what happened after. So those tweeting me about Conor or Khabibs antics I don’t care as this tweet is not about that. Khabib won and was a beast tonight. https://t.co/BLF8ROudXO
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) October 7, 2018
Serious anger outside the arena here in Vegas, scuffles all over, one lad knocked out cold with a box. All on Khabib and his team frankly who incited what's turning into a riot. To blindside a losing boxer should result in jail time.
Utter thugs.— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) October 7, 2018
All that madness after the bout shouldn't take away from fact that McGregor was completely out-classed tonight.
— Mark Gallagher (@bailemg) October 7, 2018
Such a disappointing end to a good night of fights. The loss is sad for Irish fans, but the behaviour of Nurmagomedov and team members is bad for MMA. Legitimately shameful stuff. #UFC229
— Laura Kennedy (@LooraKennedy) October 7, 2018
Hard to know where this UFC thing goes now. Fight was vicious, that’s par for the course and why people watch but scenes afterwards were scary.Khabib wins then jumps fence to fight someone in crowd,meanwhile McGregor gets clipped from behind by some coward jumping into octagon 🙄
— Brendan Cummins (@BrenCummins1) October 7, 2018
The bus smasher and Russian ring jumper really brought a circus to Vegas didn’t they. #UF229
— PJ Gallagher (@pjgallagher) October 7, 2018
Another historical night. Amazing atmosphere, technical fight with excitement all the way thru. All that makes MMA a great sport. Shame about the ending. On to the next one.
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 7, 2018
None of this is good #ufc229
— Marie Crowe (@mariecrowe) October 7, 2018
Agree. Horrifying stuff. https://t.co/jldRbf7h0a
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) October 7, 2018
UFC President Dana White says #ConorMcGregor has refused to press charges against the men who attacked him. Three men who were arrested have been released. @rtenews @RTEsport pic.twitter.com/l6Xf8JrbZW
— Brian O'Donovan (@BrianOD_News) October 7, 2018
This is a terrible night for MMA.
It could have been the best night ever. But it was ruined.
Remember, MMA isn't still an official sport in Ireland. This will not help.
Disgraceful, rotten scenes. #UFC229— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) October 7, 2018
McGregor did not speak at the press conference, although reports suggest he will return tonight and do so. His future is uncertain, although there may be scope for a re-match.
