Fighters react to Khabib's ultimatum
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov issued a lengthy statement Thursday morning defending Zubaira Tukhugov for his involvement in the UFC 229 melee and threatened to leave the promotion if his teammate was fired.
A number of fighters took to social media to express their opinions on the statement.
Double champion Daniel Cormier wasn't a fan of the incident, but supported Khabib and his teammates' loyalty nonetheless.
#1 Dagestan gangsta! @khabib_nurmagomedov is the man! Let em fight @danawhite. @zubairatukhugov vs @rushammer! Manage the riff raff and let these two fight!!!!! Good shit Khabib! #weareaka #iammybrotherskeeper pic.twitter.com/xcTS7X7KXE
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 11, 2018
Once again two wrongs. Zub was wrong, Artem at bus was wrong. They hate each other so much. Let em fight!!! And how could y’all not appreciate this level of loyalty for Khabib. It’s crazy. Walk away from millions and the UFC! No1 does that!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 11, 2018
Former Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell found similarities between himself and Khabib.
Artem Lobov, who was supposed to fight Tukhugov, wasn't a fan Dana White's vow to fire his scheduled opponent for personal reasons.
Dana dont let Tukhugov escape his punishment, put him back in! @danawhite
— Artem Lobov (@RusHammerMMA) October 11, 2018
And, of course, Nate Diaz had his own opinion on the matter.
@danawhite please let kabobs dumbass friend stay in @ufc
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) October 11, 2018
Fire me it will be bettter this way.
I think it’s more fair that way ...