Go easy on Khabib, Putin tells his dad

Russian

President Vladimir Putin met mixed martial arts champion Khabib Nurmagomedov on Wednesday, saying he did not deserve harsh punishment for a recent post-fight brawl.

The Russian strongman appeared on state television meeting the fighter, who defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title against Conor McGregor on Saturday, along with his father. “I will ask your dad not to punish you harshly,” the president told the 30-year-old fighter from Dagestan region, adding “you won worthily and convincingly”. (AFP)