Khabib Nurmagomedov has apologised for offending fans with an apathetic statement about the situation in Afghanistan.
The legendary Russian fighter was speaking at a press conference when he said that he didn't want to concern himself with the issue because the country is "thousands of kilometres away."
But he has now apologised, insisting he simply didn't wish to speak about the fraught political situation in the country.
"My reaction was (like that) because I didn't want to comment on politics," Nurmagomedov explained. "The reactions were quite intense from my Afghan fans. I rewatched my answer when I said Afghanistan was thousands of miles away and didn't concern me nor the person who asked me.
"I think I was misunderstood - I meant that I didn't want to comment on the political situation. I hope they will forgive me if I've offended them.
"I'm not ashamed to apologise to them because anyone can make a mistake. It all sounded different in my head; I just didn't want to comment on politics."
Nurmagomedov continued to say that he worries for the people currently in the country, and understands the suffering they have felt over the last 120+ years.
"Their people have suffered a lot in their lives," he added. "You'll know if you study their history of the past 120 years. I feel the pain of those people. I worry and I want to wish them all the best."
The Russian fighter is currently still training despite quitting MMA at the end of last year, and is promoting the 'Eagle Fighting Championship', his own league in Russia.
He has had to make a number of clarifications in recent weeks, also confirming that he hasn't signed for a third tier Russian football team.
Last week rumours swirled that he had joined Legion Dynamo to play a new sport, but it turns out it was a big miscommunication.
“I have friendly relations with Legion Dynamo," Nurmagomedov told RT. "I support the team and come to their matches when I’m in Makhachkala.
"But I have no plan to step on to the field because I fly more than I walk right now.
“I haven’t signed the contract but I have close relations. I can come in at any time. It all depends on the situations, we’ll see how it goes.
"They’ll have a cup match soon, I believe they’ll be playing Russia’s Premier League team from UFA.
"If the Premier League comes maybe… but I have to lose a little weight to get into football shape. Maybe 12 pounds.”
Nurmagomedov quit MMA after defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje last October, having won all 29 of his career pro fights.
His mother requested that he hang up the gloves after the passing of his father and iconic coach Abdulmanap with heart complications earlier in the year.
Nurmagomedov obliged, despite the UFC's best efforts to change his mind - and a $100million offer to fight Floyd Mayweather.
