"We lost the match but won the battle."
Conor McGregor's bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov ended in defeat at UFC 229, and the event descended into chaos. The Irishman lost to the undefeated lightweight champion in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Unfortunately for the former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, he was second best on the night.
McGregor was eventually forced to submit in the fourth round when Khabib applied a neck crank.
https://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/conor-mcgregor-comment-khabib-after-third-round-180379
The Russian fighter appeared to be on course for a dominant win, as he was leading on the scorecards. McGregor managed to win the third round - the first time Khabib has lost a round in the UFC.
The 30-year-old hasn't tasted defeat in MMA. The victory over McGregor was his 27th win in the sport. However, all that has been completely overshadowed by the carnage that followed the bout.
https://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/conor-mcgregor-assailant-instagram-brag-180317
Khabib scaled over the cage and attacked Dillion Danis, a teammate of McGregor. Back in the Octagon, McGregor was attacked and punched from behind.
Nurmagomedov's purse has been withheld and UFC president Dana White has warned of further punishment.
https://www.sportsjoe.ie/mma/khabib-nurmagomedov-father-ufc-229-180355
"First of all, I want to say sorry to Athletic Commission. Sorry to Vegas," Khabib said in the post-fight press conference.
"This is not my best side. I am human. He talked about my religion. He talk about my country. He talk about my father. He come to Brooklyn and he broke bus. What about this shit? Why are people taking about jumping on top of cage. This is a respect sport. This is not a trash-talking sport. You cannot talk about religion or nation. For me, this is very important."
A few hours after the fight ended, McGregor posted on social media and said he was "looking forward to the rematch."
https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1048865614197010432
He has since posted again, and this time the Dubliner said:
"We lost the match but won the battle. The war goes on."
https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1049278027509653504
McGregor also displayed the damage he suffered at the hands of Khabib, showing off a black eye.
