Paul Reveals Why Khabib Put Belt On Usman

Jake Paul says he deliberately handed the PFL lightweight belt to Khabib Nurmagomedov after Usman Nurmagomedov stopped Archie Colgan at UBS Arena in Long Island.

The moment went viral after Paul, who attended the event following the merger between PFL and his Most Valuable Promotions company, appeared to let Khabib take the belt from him in the cage. Social media users mocked Paul for the exchange, suggesting Khabib forcibly grabbed the strap. Paul pushed back on that framing in an Instagram story.

Paul Says He Wanted Khabib To Steal Spotlight

"I told Khabib before handing him the belt that he should be the one to hand his cousin the belt and put it on him," Paul wrote, per Sherdog. "I don't even want to be a promoter and be admired for this shit. It's really for the fighters. I have my life set. I literally do this shit for the fighters."

Paul added that having Khabib wrap the belt looked better than doing it himself. He invited critics to ask Khabib directly about the interaction.

Usman improved to 22-0 with the knockout and completed his current PFL contract. The newly merged PFL-MVP organization will look to keep the Russian lightweight under contract amid speculation about a potential UFC move.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Jake Paul reveals why Khabib Nurmagomedov put PFL belt on Usman