This week, Russian President Vladimir Putin got to meet and congratulate his buddy Khabib Nurmagomedov on his “worthy and convincing” submission win over Conor McGregor in Las Vegas last Saturday, SportsGossip.com reports.
Putin appeared to reference Conor’s behavior in the build-up to the fight when he met Khabib on Wednesday. McGregor had previously mocked the Russian fighter’s father, country and religion, as referenced by The Guardian. Putin believes anyone in that situation would act in the same way as Khabib did when the fighter confronted members of Conor’s team after defeating McGregor at UFC 229.
“Anyone could have jumped [out of the octagon] in the same way,” said Putin. “If we are attacked from the outside, not only you, we could all jump in such a way … there could be hell to pay.” Putin added that “it’s better not to reach that stage.”
Khabib has since apologized for his actions and said his father and trainer, Abdulmanap, would “smash me when I get home”.
“I will ask your father not to punish you too strictly, because you achieved the main task, worthily and convincingly,” said Putin.
Flip the page to see the meet and greet with Putin and Khabib.
