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Chris Eubank Sr defends Khabib Nurmagomedov for sparking brawl at UFC 229

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Nurmagomedov lost his cool after beating McGregor (Picture: Getty)

Chris Eubank Sr claims he understands why Khabib Nurmagomedov lost control in the aftermath of his victory over Conor McGregor.

The UFC lightweight champion sparked a brawl after submitting McGregor, as he jumped over the octagon and attacked a member of the Irishmans team.

Punches started flowing from McGregor and Nurmagomedovs team once the Russian rushed into the crowd and the scenes have been widely condemned by fighters, fans and promoters.

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But Eubank Sr sympathises with Nurmagomedov and explained why he thinks the fighter snapped.

All the controversy for what he did after is based really on him protecting his honour,Eubank Sr told ESPN.

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Those things of which he has been brought up to respect and to hold dear to his heart.

Eubank Sr is a retired world champion (Picture: Getty)

Honouring his parents, honouring his religion, honouring his country.

He added: He knew what he shouldnt have done, but his honour says well, okay this is more important.

And the authorities will do what they will do and Im sure he will be happy with it, because when youre talking about warriors of his calibre, the fines, if he is fined, the suspensions, if he is suspended, all of these things only make him bigger.

And yes he will pay a financial price, Im sure he will. And Im sure he will be reprimanded, Im sure theyre going to throw the book at him.

But my thinking, because of the fact that Ive been a former participant, is that it will not matter.

Because the most important thing to him is always to protect his honour, his dignity. And so he will be holding his head up high.