Khabib explains why he attacked Conor McGregor's team moments after winning UFC 229 title fight

The Russian explained that McGregor's comments about his ‘religion and nation’ provoked his furious post-fight reaction

Khabib Nurmagomedov has said that he attacked Conor McGregor’s team after his victory at UFC 229 because of the Irishman’s inflammatory comments about his “religion and nation”.

Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in the fourth round of their UFC lightweight title fight before vaulting over the Octagon to attack McGregor’s team.

Both men were eventually given a police escort out of the T-Mobile Arena. And after a lengthy delay, Nurmagomedov eventually addressed a post-fight press conference to explain his actions.

“I want to say sorry to the Nevada State Athletic Commission,” Nurmagomedov began.

“This is not my best side. He talked about my religion, my country, my father. He came to Brooklyn, he broke bus and nearly killed two people. So why do people still talk about me jumping over the cage? I have shown respect."

He went on to add that he wants to make MMA a "more respectful sport", complaining bitterly about McGregor's behaviour in the weeks ahead of the fight.

“I told you guys: his whole team and him, they are tap machines. Today he tapped. Undisputed and undefeated," he added.

“This is a respectful sport. This is not a trash-talking sport. I want to change this game. You cannot talk about religions and nations. This for me is very important. Thank you for waiting for me. I know my father is gonna smash me when I go home. Nevada: sorry. Vegas: sorry."

Nurmagomedov added that he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately after the fight. McGregor had previously been pictured with Putin at the 2018 World Cup.

McGregor lost via submission in the fourth round (Getty)

“He took a picture with Putin," Nurmagomedov commented as he walked out of the conference. "But Putin just called me and told me he is proud of me. And he said congratulations.”