The most eagerly anticipated UFC matchup of recent years ended in chaos on Saturday as police arrested three people following a brawl that broke out seconds after the match had ended.
Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov had just forced Irish champion Conor McGregor to tap out in the fourth round — but the winning fighter then leaped out of the octagon and headed straight for McGregor's team, where a fight ensued.
While this was happening, McGregor, still dazed from the fight, was punched by someone from Nurmagomedov's team.
Not exactly cricket, is it?
After defeating Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped out of the octagon and a brawl ensued 🎥 @AndreasHale d
UFC President Dana White could be heard in the aftermath telling Nurmagomedov that he wouldn't risk carrying on with the traditional belt-giving ceremony after the fight. The winner was then escorted out of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas by police.
White said afterward that he was disgusted by the scenes and confirmed that three members of the Russian's team had been arrested and taken into custody — but he later confirmed that McGregor had declined to press charges and that the three suspects were released.
The Nevada State Commission has, however, withheld Nurmagomedov's payment while an investigation takes place.
Moments after the chaos, @danawhite joins our @MeganOlivi to discuss what happened, and the repercussions that follow. https://t.co/yk8NgCnICb
"I know if we put the belt on him in the octagon there'll be things thrown. I just said let's just try and get him out of here," he told Fox Sports.
"Police officers were getting punched. Security guys were getting punched. I actually think police and security did an incredible job. Khabib jumped over the cage like one of those parkour guys. What are you expected to do?"
Nurmagomedov later apologized for the incident, but also said that he was provoked.
Khabib Nurmagomedov addressed the media and apologized to the Nevada State Athletic Commission for the altercation after he defeated Conor McGregor. https://t.co/VyRtCt8YmQ
UFC fans were disappointed by the whole affair.
Dana White just confirmed on Fox that all 3 people that jumped Connor were arrested. This whole thing is far from over...in and out of the cage. Super sad as a mega UFC fan
This should have been a celebration of Nurmagomedov's ascent to the top of the lightweight mountain and the biggest win of his career. Instead, his actions have marred a fantastic event. Awful scenes. #UFC229
The match marked McGregor's return to the sport after a two-year absence. And despite the controversy surrounding the fight's finish, Nurmagomedov is now the lightweight champion and has a 27-match unbeaten record.