Play video content Ruptly.tv Khabib Nurmagomedov has returned to Dagestan -- and people filled a STADIUM to see their hero!! ! The UFC star was cheered by the masses Monday at Anzhi Arena after defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 229 and eventually took the mic to address his adoring crowd. "One thing I am asking for is not to be remembered for that incident when i jumped out of the cage," Khabib said ... "I wanted to show the difference between my nation and his nation." "Because we're all here to know what great history we have ... we know our ancestors and all the ordeals our nation had to go through and nothing can break us." Khabib told his fans that he hoped he made them proud -- adding, "You can't keep an eagle in a cage!" He continued, "The inspiration I have comes from here -- from Dagestan -- from all the people who were waiting for me here. Thank you very much." "We are all Dagestani people. Let's stay united."<doc-sep>Thousands of fans turned out to greet Khabib Nurmagomedov as he paraded the UFC lightweight belt at a football stadium in his native Dagestan last night. Nurmagomedov beat Conor McGregor by submission in a much anticipated title defence in Las Vegas on Saturday, but generated even more headlines when he then sparked a brawl by leaping into the crowd to attack a team-mate of McGregor. On Monday, the champion drew a huge crowd to the 26,000-seater Anzhi Arena, home of the Russian Premier League Anzhi Makhachkala, which he supports. Fans attempted to invade the pitch to meet their hero but were held back by stewards. Nurmagomedov, now 27-0, could lose some or all of his $2m purse for the grudge fight, which was withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission pending an investigation of the post-fight fracas. He is also in danger of being stripped of the belt if he incurs a lengthy suspension. Following his victory, Nurmagomedov apologised to the NSAC for his actions but expressed bemusement at the backlash compared to what he saw as the free pass given to McGregor for his behaviour in the build-up to the contest. "I don't understand how people can talk about how I jump on the cage. He talked about my religion, he talked about my country, he talked about my father. "He came to Brooklyn and he broke bus, he almost killed a couple of people. What about this s***?" Nurmagomedov with his father (R) One man who took a dim view of the 'celebrations' was Nurmagomedov's coach and father, Abdulmanap, who did not attend the fight due to visa issues. "I think that for Khabib, the most severe sanctions would be my regard," he told Ren TV. "I am going to regard this severely. I warned him. For me, the most important thing is discipline. You can do whatever you want in the octagon, but beyond its barrier - this is the border separating civilians, there are children, women, bystanders. "This fight took place within the octagon. That’s the spectacle. But I am categorically against fighting outside the octagon. Outside of the octagon, you need to exist peacefully. Fight in the octagon." The NSAC confirmed today it was also investigating McGregor. Three men, believed to be team-mates of Nurmagomedov were arrested in the aftermath following an apparent assault on McGregor but were released after the Irishman refused to press charges. We need your consent to load this Instagram contentWe use Instagram to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences McGregor took to social media following the defeat, his first at lightweight level in the UFC, to say he was "Looking forward to the rematch" and UFC President revealed yesterday that the Dubliner had already been in touch with that in mind. "Conor McGregor has already called me wanting an immediate rematch," White told ESPN. "We’ll see what happens with Khabib and what’s next," White said. "I mean, Tony Ferguson looked amazing, those two have been lined up to fight three different times and it hasn’t happened, so we’ll see how this thing plays out." McGregor was today given a one-month medical suspension from competition by the UFC for injuries sustained in the bout. By comparison, Ferguson's beaten opponent Anthony Pettis must get clearance from a doctor if he wants to compete before next April.<doc-sep>Because of the chaos that transpired right after UFC 229’s main event fight on Saturday night, lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was not able to bask in his moment of glory. The undefeated Dagestani fighter was not even able to have the title belt put around his waist, as what is traditionally done for newly-crowned and defending champions. It was upon the decision of UFC president Dana White, fearing a major backlash from fans if he did so. Khabib eventually got his belt, and according to him, there would have been major problems, otherwise. In a recent Instagram post, “The Eagle” jokingly threatened more untoward repercussions, had he not gotten his belt. The would have been target: Dana White’s BMW. @danawhite you lucky that you give my belt, or I would smash your car, I know your parking location If it were up to White, Khabib would not be stripped of the title following the fracas. He also disagrees with the possibility of the Nevada State Athletic Commission getting the entirety of Nurmagomedov’s $2 million purse for fight night, suggesting a $250,000 fine and a six-month suspension.<doc-sep>
Despite the controversy that followed UFC 229’s main event, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov received a hero’s welcome for his return to his home country of Dagestan. TMZ reports that a stadium was filled for Nurmagomedov’s return to his home country. Nurmagomedov greeted a crowd at the Anzhi Arena on Monday (Oct. 8) following his submission win over former champion Conor McGregor in the main event at UFC 229 last Saturday (Oct. 6) in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the event received a great deal of controversy after Nurmagomedov jumped outside the cage and attacked McGregor’s friend and teammate, Dillon Danis. Additionally, some of Nurmagomedov’s teammates jumped inside the cage and attacked McGregor. Nurmagomedov told the fans in attendance, “One thing I am asking for is not to be remembered for that incident when i jumped out of the cage. I wanted to show the difference between my nation and his nation.” He added,”Because we’re all here to know what great history we have … we know our ancestors and all the ordeals our nation had to go through and nothing can break us.” Nurmagomedov went on, “You can’t keep an eagle in a cage! The inspiration I have comes from here — from Dagestan — from all the people who were waiting for me here. Thank you very much. We are all Dagestani people. Let’s stay united.” Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly received a huge ovation at the event. You can check out 411’s live results and coverage from UFC 229 RIGHT HERE.