Putin throws support behind UFC champ

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Khabib Nurmagomedov to congratulate him on winning the UFC lightweight title, and defended the fighter’s actions in the brawl that followed his victory over Conor McGregor. Putin hailed Nurmagomedov’s “convincing ” victory and said the champion’s decision to then climb over the cage and fight with members of McGregor’s corner had been provoked by insults. Nurmagomedov told Putin he was sorry he lost self-control, but that he had heard McGregor’s camp insulting his father and his country. Putin joked he would ask Nurmagomedov’s father, who was also present at the meeting, not to punish him too severely.