Nurmagomedov returns to hero’s welcome, blasts ‘dimwit’ McGregor

‘Nobody can break us’

KASPIYSK, Russia, Oct 9, (AFP): Russia’s Khabib Nurmagomedov said he had “shut up that dimwit” Conor McGregor as he lapped up a hero’s welcome on his return to his native Dagestan following the successful defence of his UFC lightweight crown against the Irishman.

“Khabib! Khabib!” a crowd of some 20,000 fans chanted to welcome the unbeaten champion in an arena in the town of Kaspiysk, 14 kilometres from Dagestan’s main city of Makhachkala.

Excited by Nurmagomedov’s appearance, hundreds of his compatriots broke through lines of stewards and pushed their way onto the pitch, trying to get as close as possible to the champion. ple have a great history,” he boasted. “Hopefully, I’ve justified your expectations.”

Although eventually awarded his championship belt, the Russian is still awaiting confirmation of whether he will receive 1.5 million dollars prize money following a post-fight fracas that saw him jump over the octagon and attack one of McGregor’s training partners, Dillon Danis.

A dramatic free-for-all ensued, with members of Nurmagomedov’s entourage jumping into the octagon to attack McGregor as stunned officials battled to restore order.

It proved a dramatic climax to weeks of media posturing between the bitter rivals, during which the brash Irishman stoked the flames through a series of insults about Nurmagomedov’s family and his Muslim religion.

As security tried to quell the chaos in the crowd, the exhausted McGregor eventually departed in a huddle of security personnel.

Nurmagomedov was also hustled out surrounded by security officers as the pro-McGregor crowd jeered and threw drinks at him.

The UFC chief Dana White refused to hand Nurmagomedov his belt in the Octagon, saying he feared it would further inflame the crowd.

McGregor

second-innings wickets intact to force a win.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq was unbeaten on 23 while nightwatchman Asif was dismissed for nought, unable to guard Azhar from coming to bat in a crucial stage.

But it was a day highlighted by Asif who triggered a memorable Australian collapse against spin in Asia to mark a long-awaited Test debut.

“I knew that my chance would come, so I waited and waited and thanks God I have done myself proud by getting six wickets on debut, it’s a tremendous feeling,” said Asif.

“I was struggling a bit in the first session, but all my teammates and coaches gave me confidence and that increased my energy which helped me get six wickets.”

By lunch Australia were well-placed at 137 without loss with Usman Khawaja (85) and debutant Aaron Finch (62), but Australian cricketer Aaron Finch (left), plays a shot during the third day of play of the first Test cricket match in the

series between Australia and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Oct 9. (AFP) the slump followed shortly after as the Baggy Greens lost all 10 wickets for just 60 runs.

Asif, who had previously