Khabib Nurmagomedov has defended his actions following the events of UFC 229.
After he submitted Conor McGregor in the fourth round of their lightweight title fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Numbegomedov jumped out of the octagon to attack Dillon Danis, a member of McGregor's team who had apparently been trashing-talking towards the Dagestani.
"I want to say sorry to [Nevada State] Athletic Commission, sorry to Vegas," said Nurmagomedov in a brief appearance at the post-fight press conference. "I know this is not my best side. I am human being."
The 30-year-old could not understand why the focus was on his actions rather than the disrespect which he believes McGregor had shown him in the build-up to the fight.
I don't understand how people can talk about how I jump over the cage.
What about him talking about my religion? He talked about my country, he talked about my father, he came to Brooklyn and broke a bus, almost killed a couple of people.
What about this? What about this shit? Why are people talking about how I jumped over the cage? Why are people still talking about this? I don't understand.
Nurmagomedov, who said that his father always taught him to be respectful, knows that he will "smash" him when he returns to Russia.
"This is a respectful sport," added Nurmagomedov.
"It is not a trash-talking sport. I told you before, I want to change this game. I don't want people talking shit about opponents, talking shit about fathers, religion. You cannot talk about religion. You cannot talk about nations. You cannot talk about this stuff."
He also said that he was proud to have received a call from Russian President Vladimir Putin following the fight.
"He just called me and he said he's very proud of me. I win and he say congratulations."
