Khamzat Chimaev lashes out at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin in a cage brawl at UFC 280 before security arrives

KHAMZAT CHIMAEV attacked Khabib Nurmagamedov’s cousin at UFC 280.

The incident happened when Khabib Islam presented Makhachev with the light belt after his victory over Charles Oliveira.

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Khabib’s cousin Abubakar Nurmagomedov appeared to be having a cordial conversation with Chimaev.

The couple linked their hands as Abubakar whispered something in Chimaev’s ear.

A friend tried to intervene upon noticing that tensions were rising, but was unable to stop Chimaev from struggling.

The 28-year-old landed a punch at Abubakar, who returned a jab of his own before the pair were separated by security forces.

Abubakar, 32, was in the crowd after previously fighting and beating Gadzhi Omargadzhiev on the undercard of UFC 280.

It’s not clear what he said to provoke Chimaev, who also clashed with Kevin Holland backstage at UFC 279 before beating the American in the octagon.

UFC boss Dana White was asked about the brawl but admitted he’s not overly concerned about Chimaev’s aggressive streak.

He said: “The guy… what can I even say about that? It happens… especially with him.

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“He sat on our side. I didn’t even know that Khamzat was coming tonight, he was invited by Abu Dhabi. The seats behind me belong to Abu Dhabi.

“It’s a tough business, mean things are said and sometimes guys interfere with it.

“It’s our job here at the UFC to make sure things don’t happen. We weren’t right to prevent that, but these things happen.

“We have 800 alpha males and females under contract and sometimes their paths cross at events and these things happen. It doesn’t bother me or hurt my feelings; we will take care of it and move on.”