A professional MMA competitor since 2010, Zubaira made a name for himself, fighting in promotions like Cage Warriors, ProFC, Fight Nights (EFN) and others, before joining the UFC in 2014.

In 2016 he had received a USADA suspension for illegally using performance-enhancing drugs (PED). After his involvement in UFC 229 Brawl against “Team McGregor”, UFC President Dana White announced he would no longer be fighting for the UFC despite the fact that his suspension has ended.

He was scheduled to face McGregor’s teammate Artem Lobov on October 27, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 138.

What did Zubaira Tukhugov do at UFC 229?

The Dagestani legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov showcased a brilliant performance against the Irish superstar Conor McGregor in UFC 229 at Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately, the controversial events that followed Khabib’s triumph eclipsed this remarkable performance. Nurmagomedov jumped the cage after submitting McGregor and attacked his teammate Dillon Danis.

This started a massive brawl in the arena, following which McGregor, who was recovering from the Khabib’s mauling got sucker punched by members of Khabib’s gang which included PFL fighter Abubakar Nurmagomedov (Khabib’s cousin) and Zubaira Tukhugov (UFC Featherweight who was scheduled to fight Artem later this month).

Zubaira squared up with Conor after seeing him swing at and connect with a left hand on Khabib’s cousin and ended up catching a left hand himself.

According to Dana White’s post-fight press conference, It was said that he will surely be cut by the UFC. All three individuals from Khabib’s team who were arrested for causing the brawl were released after the Irishman refused to press charges on them.

What does Khabib have to say?

Khabib Nurmagomedov has threatened to quit UFC over their punishment of Zubaira Tukhugov for punching Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov has issued a strong warning to his UFC Boss, Dana White.

The Undisputed Champion has to threaten to quit the promotion if UFC punishes his teammate for his actions at UFC 229. This is what the Dagestani Legend has stated,

Khabib clearly has no intention to continue in UFC.

He also accused the organization of withholding his payment ($ 2 Million) for the fight.

How will Khabib’s “Tough Talk” affect MMA?

While Khabib’s loyalty to his teammate is clearly vindicated in his statements, It doesn’t meet any grounds for giving Zubaira a clean chit. his actions at the UFC 229 was disgraceful and deserves to be retributed, albeit he may have his incentives for committing such an action.

UFC, as a promotion, will incur a devastating loss after Khabib quits the company. But, as an organization, it will be setting a very bad precedent if such activities are given a clean chit.

Anyways, the way “The Warrior King” Dana White ameliorates this situation will be critical for the company’s future. And, White needs to solve this situation without antagonizing both the camps and not setting an unjust precedent.

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