UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has been treated to a hero’s welcome since returning to his native Dagestan. The undefeated force defeated Conor McGregor in the highly anticipated UFC 229 main event, although the win was marred by the ensuing post-fight scuffles, which began after Khabib left the Octagon to confront McGregor’s teammate, Dillon Danis.
As Nurmagomedov awaits a potential fine and suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, “The Eagle” and his father Abdulmanap met with Russian president Vladimir Putin, in video captured on Wednesday.
According to RT, Putin congratulated Khabib on his “worthy and convincing” victory against the Irish star, and did address the post-fight brawl, indicating that while he didn’t support what happened, he understood the situation.