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We Found Out Exactly Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Called 'The 'Eagle' Last Night

We Found Out Exactly Why Khabib Nurmagomedov Is Called 'The 'Eagle' Last Night

He retained his UFC Lightweight Title with a convincing victory over Conor McGregor, but what he did afterwards was the major talking point.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Khabib Nurmagomedov is nicknamed 'The Eagle' for a reason and we now know exactly why after UFC 229 last night.

The Dagistani moved to 27-0 with a convincing victory over Conor McGregor in the biggest fight in UFC history, retaining his lightweight title after choking out the Irishman in round four.

But it was immediately after the bout that we found out why the 30-year old had the moniker bestowed upon him when he jumped out of the Octagon and attacked members of McGregor's camp, specifically Dillon Danis.

This close-up footage shows exactly what happened post-fight:

We were all well aware of his immense athletic prowess - and of course many fighters climb the cage in celebrating their victories - but he genuinely flew onto the crowd like an Eagle hunting its prey. It sparked some brilliant reaction on social media:

They don't call him the Eagle for nothing! Khabib's out of character antics came as a result of the many insults McGregor aimed at him, his religion and his family in the build-up to this fight. Of course, we can't forget the bus attack in Brooklyn back in April, too.

After Khabib jumped the cage, an incensed McGregor climbed up and threw a punch at one of Khabib's team, with even more carnage occuring when some of the Russian's entourage stormed the Octagon and attacked the 'Notorious' fighter.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Three members of Khabib's camp were arrested but McGregor elected to not press charges and they were subsequently released.

Still, Khabib could find himself in a lot of hot water - potentially having his title stripped and receiving a suspension for his rush of blood.

He apologised for his conduct in a very short post-match press conference, though it didn't sound overly sincere.

"I want to say sorry to the athletic commission, sorry to Vegas. I know this is not my best side," he explained.

"I don't understand how people can say I jumped on the cage. He talked about my religion, my family, he came to Brooklyn and could have killed people on the bus.

"Why are we talking about me climbing on the cage? My father taught me to be respectful. Today, he tapped, the belt is here, undisputed, undefeated UFC Lightweight Champion. This is a respectful sport, not a trash-talking sport."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, UFC 229, Khabib, UFC News, MMA News, UFC

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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