Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov on his "convincing" UFC victory over Conor McGregor, and Khabib's father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov on raising such a good athlete, during a meeting in Ulyanovsk on Wednesday.
Commenting on the brawl that erupted following Khabib's victory, the Russian leader remarked that there were some unwritten rules that all fighters should follow.
However, the president stated, "I will ask your father not to punish you very cruelly because you accomplished the main aim, you won."
Meanwhile Putin noted that Russia is "one big family" and that "if we are attacked from the outside, not only you, we could all jump in such a way, and there could be hell to pay. But it's better to avoid such course of action."
"Of course, I have not controlled myself in some moments, because there were provocations even during the fight. I hope that the court which is going on now will be in our favour," Khabib replied.
TRANSCRIPT:
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): "I would like to congratulate you one more time on the victory. And I would like to congratulate the father on bringing up such a good fighter."
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): "Yes, of course you did not represent a team, you were on your own, you did not perform for the country but you performed for yourself. But still you are a Russian citizen and we are not indifferent to our citizens, no matter where they are and what they do. That is why we were witnessing attentively, we were worrying about you. I will ask your father not to punish you very cruelly because you accomplished the main aim, you won, won with dignity and [it was] convincing."
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): "I believe that all of us in our country are one big family. No matter what happens, we need try and avoid rashness like charging someone, regardless what is going on."
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): "Anything can happen in the family, but we never allow ourselves to cross the line. Of course, if we are attacked from the outside, not only you, we could all jump in such a way, and there could be hell to pay. But it's better to avoid such course of action."
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): "It is a commercial kind of sport but still a sport. And I cannot disagree with those who think that some rules should be followed, not just written ones but also general athletic and moral rules. I hope that in this kind of sport everyone will follow these rules."
SOT, Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Russian): "In the end we will find a way for [ensuring] normal communication, friendship - between men and athletes. Sport is dedicated to these goals exactly. And with your opponents you will have good, kind, competitive, but kind relations."
SOT, Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC Fighter (Russian): "For now they are only talking about my jump, even though I performed quite well. In comparison with his behaviour, his disrespect towards me, my parents, my country, I behaved with dignity. Of course I have not controlled myself in some moments, because there were provocations even during the fight. I hope that the court [decision] which is going on now will be in our favour."
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