Umar Nurmagomedov did not leave UFC 322 entirely satisfied.
The bantamweight contender had a front-row seat as Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight title at Madison Square Garden in November. It should have been a huge moment for his team, but attention quickly shifted elsewhere.
Makhachev’s win was overshadowed by a brawl breaking out in the crowd. The incident involved several members of the Dagestani’s camp and one of Conor McGregor’s long-time training partners.
Umar Nurmagomedov gives his thoughts on UFC 322 crowd fight
Dillon Danis, known for stirring controversy, found himself at the centre of a fight with Makhachev’s team during UFC 322.
The incident left Danis with minor injuries and led to his removal from the event. He later had to pull out of a scheduled bout against Anthony Taylor.
However, Nurmagomedov still thinks he deserved a worse fate.
“This guy talked too much,” he told Complex.
“He talks about religion. He talks about family. He talks about a lot of things.
“It’s not good. You can’t be that person and not expect people to smash you.”
When questioned if he enjoyed watching Danis being defeated, Nurmagomedov responded: “Not enough.
“He has to be broken. Some legs and arms.
“He has to be in his hospital between life and death. He deserves it.”
Umar Nurmagomedov set for return at UFC 324
Nurmagomedov is aiming to position himself for another bantamweight title shot when he steps into the Octagon at UFC 324.
The 30-year-old will face off against former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
A victory could put him in line for a bout with the new bantamweight champion, Petr Yan.
But there is also growing interest in a potential rematch between Yan and Merab Dvalishvili, which could take priority.
Another option for Yan is to take on the winner of Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong, also set to take place at UFC 324.