Dana White reflected on the UFC 229 post-fight brawl between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
On October 6, 2018, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor changed the trajectory of mixed martial arts when they met in the UFC 229 main event. The rivalry established between the legendary fighters during the buildup was unforgettable, and the fight lived up to the massive expectations.
In round four, Nurmagomedov continued his relentless pressure on the exhausted McGregor and made him tap out with a rear-naked choke. Immediately after securing the win, ‘The Eagle’ jumped the Octagon cage and attacked McGregor’s team, sparking an all-out brawl in one of the most talked about moments in MMA history.
Over five years later, Dana White made a recent appearance on Games With Names and reflected on the UFC 229 main event post-fight brawl:
“We were expecting it, and we were ready for it, and it still happened. It was disappointing to say the least. People think because I’m a promoter that stuff is good for us. It’s not good for us because of the commission, and we’re the biggest and baddest in all of combat sports, so we’re the ones to make the example out of when it does happen…What did the [state commission] fine them? Two million bucks? They fined Khabib [two million dollars]…That’s how much they frown on this sh*t happening.”
Watch the aftermath of the UFC 229 main event below:
Dana White breaks down his ‘favorite fighters’ of all time
Dana White has dealt with more fighters than he could remember throughout his promoting career. During the previously-mentioned appearance on Games with Names, the UFC CEO was asked about his favorite fighter of all time. White responded by saying:
“It’s hard to say that I have a favorite fighter. Conor [McGregor] has been an incredible partner. Usually when you get guys that big of superstars, they become total egomaniacs and they go against and do whatever.”
White continued by praising McGregor and naming two more legendary fighters he enjoyed working with:
“The business sense this kid had is fascinating. Everybody always asks me, ‘Is he a nightmare to deal with?’ No, he’s actually not. He’s actually a really good partner, and he understands the business. He’s actually been great to work with. So, Conor is one of my all-time favorites. Ronda Rousey, probably the greatest I’ve ever worked with…I have a really really incredible relationship with Chuck Liddell.”
Conor McGregor last fought in July 2021, suffering a gruesome leg injury in a first-round TKO loss against Dustin Poirier. Following an extensive recovery process, McGregor plans to make his highly-anticipated Octagon return against Michael Chandler later this year.
Watch White’s entire appearance on Games With Names below:
