Islam Makhachev has just become the most memorable UFC lightweight champion in living memory. But his career wasn’t always fated to go this way. After the infamous post-fight chaos during Khabib Nurmagomedov’s victory over Conor McGregor in 2018, Dana White nearly removed Makhachev from the promotion.
Makhachev, Khabib’s protege, found himself embroiled in the heated aftermath, leading White to declare that he “will never fight here again”.
The incident occurred after Khabib leaped out of the cage to confront McGregor’s teammate, Dillon Danis after winning their 2018 bout at UFC 229 on submission. A resultant brawl ensued, which then led to Zubaira Tukhugov and Makhachev rushing into the octagon and attacking McGregor.
UFC President Dana White condemned the behavior, emphasizing that it tarnished the sport’s reputation.
Mass brawl breaks out after McGregor Vs Khabib at UFC 229…https://t.co/JqaPkYPCeu pic.twitter.com/kr3BzwjZX2
— LADbible (@ladbible) October 7, 2018
At the time, Tukhugov had fought four times in the UFC, while Makhachev was undefeated in his six bouts with the promotion. Three men were arrested but later released after McGregor decided not to press charges. The Nevada Athletic State Commission also withheld Khabib’s $2 million purse during their investigation, marking a turbulent chapter in UFC history.
In fact, Khabib nearly put his own career on the line to save his proteges.
Khabib defended Islam and Zubaira after McGregor brawl
In the aftermath of the infamous brawl between Khabib and McGregor, tensions ran high as the UFC decided to cancel Tukhugov’s fight with Artem Lobov and his contract too. Tukhugov had been involved in the chaotic melee and even boasted on social media about hitting McGregor.
UFC fighter Zubaira Tukhugov is bragging on social media about attacking Conor McGregor at #UFC229: “I slapped him as promised. I promised to make him answer for his words and I did.” pic.twitter.com/Iy2QYlUmEt
— Karim Zidan ️ (@ZidanSports) October 7, 2018
Khabib, worried about Tukhugov’s future in the UFC, first questioned why McGregor’s actions during the infamous bus attack weren’t met with similar consequences, especially since it endangered lives. He argued that both teams were involved in the brawl and insisted Tukhugov shouldn’t be punished for retaliating, especially when McGregor had struck first.
Khabib made it clear that if Tukhugov was suspended, he would also leave the UFC. He even told the promotion to keep his withheld earnings, emphasizing that defending their honor was more important than money.
Islam, on the other hand, kind of went under the radar, at least publicly. It is likely that Khabib’s ultimatum about quitting just days after he had become one of the biggest stars in the company, could have had something to do with it.
