Champ won’t lose his title

Los Angeles – Unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov (above) will not be stripped of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title despite his role in a post-match brawl last Saturday, UFC president Dana White said.

The Russian, 30, kept his crown with a fourth-round submission victory over Ireland’s Conor McGregor in Las Vegas, improving to 27-0 in his professional career and 11-0 in UFC bouts.

McGregor was handed a 30day suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) after the bout, with no contact allowed until October 28 before his ban expires on November 6.

Nurmagomedov had barely released his hold after McGregor tapped out when he launched himself over the fence, apparently targeting McGregor’s training partner, Dillon Danis, as security tried to quell the chaos.

Nurmagomedov was hustled out, surrounded by security, as a pro-McGregor crowd jeered and threw drinks at him.

White did not present Nurmagomedov the title belt, fearing arousing the crowd’s ire, and in video posted on the UFC website he said any punishment for the melee would come from the NAC, which could impose a fine for his actions.

“I don’t think there’s too many people who don’t understand why he did it, but he shouldn’t have done it,” White said.

“He’s the world champion. He just beat Conor in front of the entire world. Stand up, get that belt wrapped around you. You won. The guy who’s yelling at you means nothing.” –