Dana White Talks Usman Nurmagomedov’s Octagon Behavior and Clarifies When Punishments Should Happen

UFC CEO Dana White finally addressed the Usman Nurmagomedov controversy and revealed when punishments should occur.

Dana White Talks Usman Nurmagomedov’s Octagon Behavior and Clarifies When Punishments Should Happen

Dana White didn't like Usman Nurmagomedov incident (Image via MMA Fighting)

Usman Nurmagomedov jumping into the octagon at UFC Shanghai caused controversy in the MMA world. The PFL standout rushed the cage to care for his brother, Umar Nurmagomedov. However, he clashed with Song Yadong in a bizarre sequence. Dana White has revealed his thoughts on the matter.

The UFC CEO has seen many such instances in his career like Brock Lesnar shoving Daniel Cormier at UFC 226, and Khabib Nurmagomedov attempting to attack Dillon Danis at UFC 228. With all that experience, White commented about the Usman Nurmagomedov situation.

Song looked incredible and did what he needed to do in his home country. You couldn’t have a better win that. Yeah. What do you mean how he (Usman Nurmagomedov) reacted? He definitely did (cross the line), I would agree.

Dana White said during Contender Series presser

This issue also goes along with the broader issue of fighters jumping out of the cage to celebrate with their family and fans. White doesn’t want punishments in that scenario. However, he also clarified when punishments should take place.

What I think should happen is, if you jump out of the cage to do something violent or something, then you should be fined. The perfect example is Khabib. But if you’re overly excited and you jump out of the cage, I don’t think it’s a big deal. If a guy jumps over the cage with bad intentions toward another fighter or somebody in the crowd, fine him. But if they don’t, then they shouldn’t.

Dana White said during Contender Series presser

At UFC 329, Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway, and Gable Steveson were fined $2500 for jumping out of the cage to celebrate. The UFC CEO addressed this incident with his statement during the Contender Series presser.

Violating rules that prohibit fighters from climbing, scaling, or exiting the cage after a bout is the offense done by Pimblett, Holloway and Steveson. Regardless of how White feels, it doesn’t look like Nevada State Athletic Commission or any other state body will change the rules anytime soon.

In the case of Usman Nurmagomedov, the governing body is from China. As such, he may avoid such fines and any ban despite White saying that Nurmagomedov crossed a line. Even Usman denied wanting to attack Yadong.

Retired fighters like Daniel Cormier, Matt Brown, and Chael Sonnen defended Nurmagomedov for showing his brotherly love. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley and Darren Till didn’t like such conduct. Recently, Song Yadong also gave his thoughts on the matter.

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Song Yadong differs in opinion on Usman Nurmagomedov compared to Dana White

After years of inconsistency, Song Yadong is now the No. 3 spot in the UFC bantamweight rankings. This happened as a result of his brutal knockout win over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Shanghai.

Song Yadong has different take from Dana White regarding Usman Nurmagomedov
Song Yadong has a different take regarding Usman Nurmagomedov (Image via Instagram)

While celebrating his win, Yadong clashed with Usman Nurmagomedov inside the octagon. The Chinese star kept his composure and didn’t mind the incident at that time. Later, Yadong spoke about the clash, but didn’t say that Usman crossed a line like the UFC CEO did.

Watching the slow motion, it looked like he was turning around to throw an elbow or something, but actually I understand because they are brothers. He went over to check on his brother, and suddenly someone runs over, like you’d definitely react that way.

Song Yadong’s statement translated from Chinese

The controversy will die out eventually due to Yadong not taking it personally like other fighters did in the past. Usman is a top free agent target for the UFC, and this incident will not deter them from signing the undefeated Dagestani star.

As for Yadong, it remains to be seen if he gets a title shot next as him or O’Malley are likely next for the winner of the trilogy bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333.

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